Giardia is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that can infect both humans and their companion pets. It is transmitted through ingestion of the cyst form of the Giardia species. There are several species of this parasite that companion pet owners need to be aware of. When categorized into spacific species, there are two that are infectious to humans, two infectious to cats, four infectious to dogs, and one to rats.
So what causes giardia infection? If your pet or you ingest the cyst form of giardia, once in the small intestines, will release one or two trophozoites. These are the next stage of the giardia life cycle. At this stage they are more mobile. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and reproduce by division. Many of them also encyst as they go further down the intestines.
Giardia infection can have intermittent intervals in the signs they show. Most companion pets will have diarrhea off and on. The feces can be formed but most of the time it will appear pale and or greasy. Other signs associated with giardia include anorexia, dehydration and lethargy. Your pet may also show be painful and you may notice them trying to have a bowel movement with no success. In severe cases when untreated the owner may notice fat, mucus, and or blood in the diarrhea.
If you see any of these, you will want to have your companion pet evaluated by your veterinarian. Take a sample of your pets stool with you. For diagnostic purposes your veterinarian will want to do one or more fecal tests. A definitive diagnosis can be made when the trophozoite or cyst are seen under the microscope. There is also a site test made by IDEXX Laboratories that can also give a quick diagnosis.
Depending on your veterinarians findings and the severity of infection,they may want to hospitalize your pet and place a IV Catheter for intravenous fluids, to assist with re-hydration. There are a few medications that are highly successful when treating Giardiasis. Fenbendazole and Metronidazole are usually the drugs of choice for treatment. Your veterinarian may add other medications to the treatment protocol if necessary. If your pet is painful, they may consider pain management and or anti inflammatory medications. They will discuss these details with you before starting any treatment regime.
Treatment can take anywhere from a few days to a week, each individual case varies. Also this is assuming that there are no other conditions that need to be addressed at the time. Upon discharge you may have medications to give to your pet. Remember to ask your veterinarian if it can be taken with other medications they may already be on and to complete them all.
Giardia is hardy and can remain inactive in the environment. It is susceptible to drying out. What companion pet owners need to do is limit the availability of standing water to their pets. Do not allow them to drink out of ponds or rivers. Owners should pick up contaminated stool as quick as possible so it is not ingested again or by another pet. These are a few tips for containing possible giardia sources.
Speak to your veterinarian about whether or not your companion pet is a canidate for the Giardia vaccine. Depending on your pets medical history they may consider adding it to their vaccine protocol as a precaution for future infections.
So what causes giardia infection? If your pet or you ingest the cyst form of giardia, once in the small intestines, will release one or two trophozoites. These are the next stage of the giardia life cycle. At this stage they are more mobile. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and reproduce by division. Many of them also encyst as they go further down the intestines.
Giardia infection can have intermittent intervals in the signs they show. Most companion pets will have diarrhea off and on. The feces can be formed but most of the time it will appear pale and or greasy. Other signs associated with giardia include anorexia, dehydration and lethargy. Your pet may also show be painful and you may notice them trying to have a bowel movement with no success. In severe cases when untreated the owner may notice fat, mucus, and or blood in the diarrhea.
If you see any of these, you will want to have your companion pet evaluated by your veterinarian. Take a sample of your pets stool with you. For diagnostic purposes your veterinarian will want to do one or more fecal tests. A definitive diagnosis can be made when the trophozoite or cyst are seen under the microscope. There is also a site test made by IDEXX Laboratories that can also give a quick diagnosis.
Depending on your veterinarians findings and the severity of infection,they may want to hospitalize your pet and place a IV Catheter for intravenous fluids, to assist with re-hydration. There are a few medications that are highly successful when treating Giardiasis. Fenbendazole and Metronidazole are usually the drugs of choice for treatment. Your veterinarian may add other medications to the treatment protocol if necessary. If your pet is painful, they may consider pain management and or anti inflammatory medications. They will discuss these details with you before starting any treatment regime.
Treatment can take anywhere from a few days to a week, each individual case varies. Also this is assuming that there are no other conditions that need to be addressed at the time. Upon discharge you may have medications to give to your pet. Remember to ask your veterinarian if it can be taken with other medications they may already be on and to complete them all.
Giardia is hardy and can remain inactive in the environment. It is susceptible to drying out. What companion pet owners need to do is limit the availability of standing water to their pets. Do not allow them to drink out of ponds or rivers. Owners should pick up contaminated stool as quick as possible so it is not ingested again or by another pet. These are a few tips for containing possible giardia sources.
Speak to your veterinarian about whether or not your companion pet is a canidate for the Giardia vaccine. Depending on your pets medical history they may consider adding it to their vaccine protocol as a precaution for future infections.
Want to read more articles by Margaret Anne. Currently she writes for Ecclectic Pets Website Go to http://www.sounds.eprofits.com/ Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Anne |
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