A case study about Matcho, a young shepherd mix, and recovery beyond the prognosis

Babesiosis is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition in dogs. Especially in border areas, such as along the German border, we see this disease becoming increasingly common. The story of Matcho—a one-year-old German Shepherd mix—shows what's possible when we not only combat the disease but also support the body as a whole. A multidisciplinary approach, across multiple levels, with an eye for the cause, recovery, and prevention.

What is babesiosis?

Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection caused by Babesia species (such as Babesia canis ). The parasite nests in red blood cells and destroys them from within. The result is often severe anemia , with all its attendant consequences.

The disease is primarily found in Southern and Eastern Europe, but has been spreading toward the Netherlands and Belgium for years. Dogs living or walking in border regions, such as those bordering Germany, are demonstrably at greater risk.

How does babesiosis develop?

• Transmission via an infected tick

• The parasite enters the bloodstream

• Red blood cells are broken down

• The immune system becomes overloaded

• The liver and spleen are severely affected by the breakdown products

In young dogs or dogs with lower resistance, this process can escalate very quickly.

Symptoms of babesiosis

Symptoms can be acute or gradual. Common symptoms include:

• Lethargy, lethargy

• Decreased or no appetite

• Pale mucous membranes

• Fever

• Dark urine

• Lameness or stiff gait

• Rapid deterioration in condition

At Matcho we saw:

• Very low Hb

• Extreme lethargy

• Not wanting to eat

• Walking with a limp
  Later it also turned out that there was periostitis , a sign that the body had been under severe stress for a long time.

Regular treatment

Regular veterinary treatment usually consists of:

• Antiprotozoal medications (such as imidocarb)

• Sometimes antibiotics (such as doxycycline)

• Supportive therapy (infusion, pain relief)

• In severe cases: blood transfusion

This approach is often life-saving. But unfortunately, the treatment didn't work for Matcho. His body was too weak, his reserves depleted. The prognosis was bleak: according to the vet, he was doomed .

When transportation is no longer an option

Matcho was too weak to be transported. We decided to guide him remotely from our practice to provide maximum support to his body, giving it the space it needs to recover on its own. We didn't just treat the symptoms, but focused on the cause, recovery, and resilience .

Multidisciplinary work from a naturopathic perspective

1. Nutrition as a foundation: switching to fresh meat

The first step was to immediately stop feeding kibble and switch to high-quality, raw fresh meat food .

Why?

• Chunks are very demanding on the liver and intestines

• Fresh meat is more digestible

• More bioavailable proteins → essential for red blood cell production

• Supports the immune system

• Less stress due to heating and synthetic additives

In severe anemia the body needs building materials, not extra ballast.

2. Vitality Balance – blood and energy support

This powerful herbal tincture was used to support blood formation and vitality . The composition works synergistically with, among other things:

• Ginseng – energy, recovery and adaptogen

• Goji berry – rich in antioxidants, blood building

• Angelica – traditionally used for anemia

• Saw Palmetto – Hormonal and general vitality

• Schisandra – liver protective, adaptogen

This combination supports not just one symptom, but several layers at once.

3. CBDa oil Carlotta 10% (CBD Spain)

This plant-identical full spectrum CBDa was deliberately chosen for its strong anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cell-protective properties .

In this case:

• Support for systemic inflammation

• Protection of the nervous system and organs

• Support for stress and pain

• Regulation of the immune system (not suppression, but balancing)

CBDa works on the endocannabinoid system , an essential regulatory system involved in recovery, resistance and homeostasis and especially in severe situations like this, this can be a game changer.

4. Homeopathic reverse doxycycline

Matcho had been taking conventional medication. In naturopathy, we often see that heavy medication:

• Can leave blockages

• Liver and lymph burdened

• The self-healing capacity slows down

Inversion (antidoping) of doxycycline was used to:

• Releasing medication tax

• To relieve the liver

• To stimulate the removal of toxins

• To make the body “free” again for recovery

5. Echinacea Boost (homeopathic complex)

This complex homeopathic composition works on:

• Inflammatory processes

• Immune response

• Tissue repair

Not by forcing, but by encouraging the body to self-regulate.

Results: recovery that no one expected anymore

After 1 week :

• Matcho ran better

• At good weather again

• Even showed playful behavior

After 3 weeks :

• Blood test: Hb normal again

👉 Normal Hb value in dogs:
Approximately 12–18 g/dL (depending on laboratory and breed)

Matcho was back within the reference values ​​and – perhaps even more importantly – he was back to his old self .

Why this approach worked

By means of:

• Working on multiple levels (nutrition, immune system, liver, inflammation, blood and energy)

• Supporting the body rather than suppressing it

• No additional side effects to add

• Creating space for self-healing

Even in a serious condition like babesiosis, where hope had been given up, complete recovery could occur.

Prevention and long-term support

Can babesiosis come back?

Yes. Dogs that have had it once can:

• Stay more sensitive

• Becoming ill again when resistance is reduced

That is why preventive support is essential:

• Continue feeding fresh meat → lasting basis for resistance

• Periodic CBD(a) oil Carlotta → immune system support

• Liver detox in the spring
  To support:

  • Medicinal residues

  • Flea and worm treatments

  • Vaccinations

  • Environmental impact

👉 The better the “filter” (liver, intestines, lymph) works, the smaller the chance of recurrence of babesiosis or other chronic conditions.

Finally

Matcho's story shows what's possible when we look beyond the disease . A multidisciplinary approach means listening to the body, providing support where needed, and trusting the body's ability to recover, which often remains – even if the prognosis is different.

From the naturopathic practice, Annette de Vogel