What is the recommended treatment for a canine infection with Babesia gibsoni?

The recommended treatment for a canine infection with Babesia gibsoni is atovaquone and azithromycin. This combination has shown efficacy in treating infections caused by this protozoan parasite, which is transmitted through Rhipicephalus (formerly Boophilus) microplus ticks. The exact mechanism of action involves atovaquone's ability to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport, thereby disrupting energy production in the parasite, while azithromycin enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of atovaquone and has anti-parasitic properties.

Other treatment options, such as cyclophosphamide and prednisolone, clindamycin and doxorubicin, or metronidazole and tetracycline, are not indicated for Babesia gibsoni infections. Cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive chemotherapy agent, clindamycin and doxorubicin are used primarily for bacterial infections and certain cancers, and metronidazole and tetracycline are more commonly used for other types of infections. Therefore, the combination of atovaquone and azithromycin is specifically chosen for its targeted action against the Babesia organism, making it the most effective and appropriate treatment for this condition.