Giardiasis

Giardia is a simple one-celled parasitic species; it is not a “worm”, bacteria or virus.  The parasite occurs worldwide and is a common cause of “Traveler’s Diarrhea” in people. Outdoor enthusiasts who inadvertently consume contaminated water may develop “beaver fever”, which is another name for giardiasis in people. Other examples of protozoan parasites that can cause enteric (intestinal) disease are Coccidia, Cryptosporidia and Toxoplasma.

Giardiasis can be an important cause of illness, especially diarrhea, in animals and man. However, the majority of dogs infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea, vomiting or any other signs of illness.

The Giardia organism has two forms. A fragile, feeding form exists in the gut of infected animals, while a hardy cystic form is shed in feces and can survive several months in the environment, particularly in water and damp environments.

What are the clinical signs of Giardiasis?

These microscopic parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and the damage causes an acute (sudden-onset) foul-smelling diarrhea. The stool may range from soft to watery, often has a greenish tinge to it, and occasionally contains blood. Infected dogs tend to have excess mucus in the feces. Vomiting may occur in some cases. The signs may persist for several weeks and gradual weight loss may become apparent.

“The disease is not usually life threatening unless the dogs’ immune system is immature or immunocompromised.”

The diarrhea may be intermittent. Most dogs do not have a fever but may be less active. The disease is not usually life threatening unless the dogs’ immune system is immature or immunocompromised.

How is giardiasis treated?

The most common drug used to kill Giardia is metronidazole, an antibiotic. It is normally given for five to seven days to treat giardiasis. Another antiparasitic drug, fenbendazole, is suggested as a potentially useful treatment, especially when used in conjunction with metronidazole. This combination is usually administered to cats with refractory diarrhea (diarrhea that hasn’t responded to treatment). Supportive treatment with other drugs may be needed as supplemental therapy if dehydration or severe diarrhea is present. Some dogs may require follow-up tests and treatments based on their condition and severity of infection.

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Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection, caused by the coccidium, that most commonly causes watery, mucus-based diarrhea in dogs. If it is not treated, over time it can cause damage to the lining of the dog’s intestinal tract. But don’t worry with treatment it is easy to take care of.

Symtoms are a watery, mucous-like diarrhea. As the condition progresses, bloody diarrhea and an inability to withhold it will begin to show. The dog may also be in a weakened state. In most cases a dog’s own immune system can take care kill it off in healthy un-stressed dogs.

What dogs are most prone to be affected by coccidia are stress, as from moving, travel and weather changes, and being in an environment with other infected animals are the most common causes of this parasitic infection to develop. It is spread through fecal matter, and is most commonly found in puppies that have contracted the parasite from an adult dogs’ feces. The coccidiosis infection is of particular danger for young dogs, since their immune systems are still underdeveloped.

Treatment and the least expensive route I have seen. Corid is the medication farmers have been using for years it can be purchased at your local farm store like Tractor supply. Make sure you use the correct dose for the weight of your dog or puppy. A Hint for breeders: If you start mixing in half the recommended dose in the puppy mush once you ween the pups it acts as a preventative to getting Coccidia.

I hope this helps a lot of people recognize the signs. If it goes untreated in young puppies it is possible they could die from it.

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