"Cooper" visited Veazie Veterinary Clinic because his owner had noticed some blood coming from his anus. On further history, he had almost died the previous year while he and his owners were in Africa. He had what was believed to be a parvo virus infection, and his recovery had apparently been complete. On physical examination, the Doctor, found that his mucous membranes were pale. The results of blood tests uncovered a low red blood cell count (moderate regenerative anemia), a low white cell count (neutropenia), and a low platelet count. Because of his history, he was considered a candidate for several infectious agents found in Africa including Babesia, Ehrlichia, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania.

Specific blood tests were collected and sent to Tufts University for testing. The tests were negative for immune mediated disease, but strongly positive for Babesia canis.

Baebesiosis is infection of red blood cells by a parasite that is transmitted by the ixodid tick.

Ehrlichia canis is a blood parasite, also carried by a tick, although the type of tick varies geographically.

Cooper was treated with 6 weeks of Doxycycline, an antibiotic effective against ehrlichia. An additional drug called imidocarb was given by injection to clear the Babesia. Cooper returned to his old self.