Giardia and Companion Cats and Pet dogs

Giardia and Companion Cats and Dogs This short article is for companion pet proprietors. It provides facts about giardia infection in companion pets. Tempting Desk Scraps Your Pet Shouldn’t Eat Although you may well get pleasure from a white chocolate bar with macadamia nuts or a plate of chips and guacamole, sharing these treats with your furry or feathered buddies could do a lot more than just make them switch their noses up at their typical kibble. Human treats like avocados can make pets pretty ill, or even get rid of them. Fortunately, animal nourishment professionals have compiled a record of foods to prevent sharing with pets, in buy to assistance homeowners comprehend the threats they pose. Vet Fees: The Top rated five Secrets To Radically Reduce Them Veterinary Care is high-priced. I must know, for I am a Veterinarian who owned a Veterinary Medical center for practically 15 decades. Veterinary Medication has modified dramatically in the past 30 a long time gone are the days of James Herriot when Veterinarians handled each and every kind of animal, and frequently produced house phone calls. This post will give you an comprehending of why veterinary expenses have long gone up so significantly, and the leading 5 factors you can do to reduced your vet prices.

Salmonella Poisoning in dogs Cats and humans

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause disease in both humans and animals. Salmonella found in cold and warm blooded animals and the environment they cause salmonellosis, but can cause typhoid.

Dogs and cats will become the leader of the salmonella bacteria, these can cause salmonellosis infection on gastrointestinal Salmonella can also catch other species of animals or birds can be found salmonella in raw meat, raw eggs or poultry products. Milk and cheese

Healthy animals can protect themselves colonization of digestion by salmonella, however when the disruption of the mechanisms that protect the walkway. Dogs and cats become infected

Salmonella poisoning involve vomiting nausea marks such as diarrhea or fever. Dogs and cats, some may even die from salmonella poisoning, although the percentage is quite low. Animals that are infected may be old or very young, or suffer from other disease Salmonellosis caused by contamination of food or water toys or other objects, raw food and cooked or stored food may be the cause of the disease. Pet food is a tower, sometimes because it is contaminated with Salmonella.

The Pet can spread infection to salmonellosis man as some diseases can be transmitted between one type of good luck. The symptoms may disappear within one week. However, most of the animals may loose fuel during this period and conditions may deteriorate. Cats or dogs, most able to survive a disease but not bout ill chronically must treat with caution. Start treatment earlier. There is a better opportunity for dinner can recover quickly and easily.

Dry pet food can be contaminated with Salmonella and pets healthy, it may only become unknown source for human infection, especially in young children in the United States. Infants more than one year represent a group with the highest rate of salmonellosis caused by pollution from animal.

Owners of pets with a young father must be interested in the proper handling and storage of food, pets, special. A second study that addresses these needs to be done recently by researchers from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Ohio Department of Health and the FDA.

FDA finds problems that involve food, pets, produced in factories in Pennsylvania 2007 and 2008 study examines link between inflammatory illnesses in humans reported that during this period, the result shows that a certain correlation between children with general contact with pets that brand of pet food under investigation. More recently, in 2009 the three brands of pet treats is the tower that they found salmonella peanut butter is tainted.

Pet food ad claims that the product offers a complete and balanced nutrition, however the growth of veterinarians are concerned that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in dogs and cats. Pet food processing is thought to suppress the immune system. And can lead to liver kidney or heart disease.

Seizures and Epilepsy in Dogs and Cats

A seizure or fit is a disturbance in the normal brain function. When there are repeated episodes of seizures, this is termed Epilepsy. This article helps explain what causes seizures and epilepsy in dogs and cats, as well as what to do.

http://www.mypeted.com/dog-health-articles/health-problems/seizures-and-epilepsy-in-dogs-and-cats.php

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LIVER DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS

Helpful Buckeye has received several e-mails asking about liver disease in dogs and cats.  These pet owners report having been told by their veterinarian that their pet might have some type of liver disorder.  Apparently being of an inquisitive nature, some of these pet owners wanted to know a bit more about the liver and its diseases. 

Helpful Buckeye will offer you an overview of the liver’s location, anatomy, and basic functions…before getting into what you might (and I emphasize the word, “might”) look for as evidence that the liver is involved in what your dog or cat is experiencing.  That will be followed by an interesting presentation of Questions and Answers about liver disease.

Liver Disease In Dogs And Cats

The liver is a large, dark red organ located in the front part of the abdomen, just behind the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the physical partition between the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities. Conditions relating to the liver are called “hepatic” conditions, much like those affecting the kidneys are called “renal” conditions. “Liver disease” is a very general term used to describe any type of liver disorder.There is no one cause of canine liver disease.

Conditions relating to the liver in dogs are called “hepatic” conditions, much like those affecting the kidneys are called “renal” conditions.

The liver executes some of the most complex and vital functions in a dog’s body. It metabolizes fats, carbohydrates and proteins and is involved in the production of essential blood clotting factors. It synthesizes a number of key enzymes and helps remove ammonia from the bloodstream. The liver also stores vitamins and minerals and aids in the digestion and detoxification of circulating wastes, drugs and poisons.


The clinical signs of liver disease (medically referred to as “hepatobiliary disease”) are extremely variable due to the liver’s extensive interaction with other organs and its unusual regenerative capacity. More than one-half (and maybe up to 70 or 80 percent) of functional liver tissue must be destroyed before liver failure can be diagnosed.


Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs


Some dogs show no clinical manifestations of liver damage, especially in the very early stages of disease. Once symptoms do develop, they usually are nonspecific. The severity of any given symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the severity or extent of liver damage, or with the animal’s prognosis. Because the liver is intimately involved in so many essential bodily functions, what appear to be symptoms of liver disease might actually be caused by an abnormality in another organ or organ system. With this in mind, the general signs and physical examination findings often associated with liver disease, irrespective of its cause, include one or more of the following:

• Loss of appetite (inappetence; anorexia)


• Weight loss


• Nausea


• Vomiting (often intermittent but usually chronic)


• Depression


• Lethargy


• Disinterest in normal activities (apathy)


• Diarrhea (less common than vomiting)


• 
  Dehydration
  


• Increased thirst/water intake (polydipsia)


• Increased frequency of urination (pollakiuria)


• Increased volume of urine output (polyuria)


• 
  Weakness
  


• Unkempt hair coat


• 
  Abdominal enlargement or distention (bloated appearance)
  

The distended abdomen is usually caused by an enlarged liver or spleen (“organomegaly,” which means an enlarged organ, or more specifically “hepatomegaly” or “splenomegaly”). It also is commonly caused by a build up of fluid in the space between abdominal organs (“effusion” or “ascites”) or by poor abdominal muscle tone (“muscular hypotonia”).


Some more specific signs of liver disease include:

• Jaundice (yellow staining of the serum, skin and mucous membranes caused by build-up of the bile pigment, bilirubin, in circulation. Also referred to as “icterus,” jaundice can turn a dog’s urine a bright, yellowish-orange color (bilirubinuria). It also frequently causes a yellow appearance to the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes of the tongue and gums.)


• Abnormal fecal color and consistency (acholic feces – or changes in fecal color – are caused by an absence of bile pigments in the intestinal tract due to abnormal retention in the blood, which makes the dog’s stools pale and putty-colored. This normally indicates complete bile duct obstruction associated with liver disease.)


• Spontaneous bleeding disorders (animals with liver disease often have problems with coagulation, or clotting, of their blood, called “coagulopathies”. In dogs, the upper gastrointestinal tract – usually the stomach and duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine – is most commonly affected by coagulation disorders associated with liver disease. This leads to gastrointestinal bleeding/hemorrhage, which owners may detect by seeing blood in their dogs’ stools. Affected dogs may also vomit blood and/or have visible blood in their urine.)


• Blood in the feces (hematochezia)


• Blood in the urine (hematuria)


• Blood in the vomitus (hematemesis)


• Neurological and behavioral changes

Neurological and behavioral changes in dogs with late-stage liver disease are common. They are caused by high levels of circulating toxins that normally are removed by a healthy liver, but not by a diseased one. When these toxins accumulate in the brain, the dog develops a condition called hepatic encephalopathy, (“hepatic” means emanating from or pertaining to the liver). This often leads to:

• Aggression


• Agitation


• Disorientation


• Restlessness


• Trembling (tremors)


• 
  Circling
  


• Lack of coordination (ataxia)


• Staggering


• Aimless wandering


• Mental dullness


• Dementia


• Stupor


• Pacing


• Head-pressing


• Blindness


• 
  Excessive salivation (drooling)
  


• Generalized seizures


• Collapse


• Coma

These signs develop in dogs (and cats) with liver disease, because the cerebral cortex of the brain is exposed to intestinal toxins that normally are removed by a healthy liver but escape hepatic detoxification in cases of liver disease. Most gastrointestinal toxins are derived from normal bacterial metabolism – or digestion – of proteins and their byproducts. Ammonia is one of the most common intestinal toxins contributing to the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, which can wax and wane over time. Hepatic encephalopathy tends to be a chronic condition which cannot be cured, but often can be controlled.


Dogs with advanced liver disease can develop a debilitating skin disorder referred to as hepatocutaneous syndrome. The reason for this condition is not well-understood, but its symptoms may appear before signs of internal liver disease are apparent and include:

• Sores/lesions on the footpads (thickened, crusted, ulcerated)


• Foot pain


• Reluctance to rise, walk, exercise or play


• Itchiness (pruritis) of the feet


• Redness between the toes (interdigital erythema)


• Sores/lesions on the ear flaps, external genitalia, oral cavity, eyes, elbows, lower abdomen or elsewhere

Dogs at Increased Risk of Liver Disease


Most forms of liver disease are more common in middle-aged to older animals. However, congenital disorders, such as portosystemic shunts and congenital vascular disease, are more frequently seen in young dogs. Acquired copper storage disorders are more common in Bedlington Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Skye Terriers, Keeshonds, Labrador Retrievers and Dalmatians. Breeds predisposed to chronic hepatitis include the Doberman Pinscher (mainly seen in females), Cocker Spaniel (males are overrepresented), Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle and Scottish Terrier. Exposure to hepatotoxins is more frequent in free roaming dogs with access to chemicals, heavy metals, stagnant standing water, pesticides, poisonous plants or drugs. Free roaming dogs are also more likely to suffer acute blunt trauma to their liver. Healthy dogs exposed to dogs that have leptospirosis, canine infectious hepatitis or canine adenovirus infection have a greater risk of developing those diseases, which contribute to liver damage.


Only a skilled veterinary professional can assess a dog and perform the tests needed to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.

Adapted from: http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Health-Center/Digestive-Disorders/Liver-Disease.aspx  

Understanding Liver Disease in Pets

Dr. Dana Brooks, an veterinary internal medicine specialist at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, WA presents these Questions and Answers….

Question: What role does the liver play in a dog or cat’s body?
Answer: The liver has many functions. The main functions are detoxification (takes drugs or toxins out) of the blood stream, regulation of blood-sugar levels, maintenance of blood protein and cholesterol levels, production of bile that helps to metabolize fats and production and maintenance of normal blood-clotting factors.

Question: What can go wrong with a liver?
Answer: The basic disease processes are divided into infection; inflammation; toxicity; cancer; metabolic disease; congenital diseases; and trauma.

Most people think hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) is a viral disease, because this is common in people. But viral hepatitis is very uncommon in dogs. Cats, however, can develop hepatitis as part of the viral disease feline infectious peritonitis.

Infectious causes of hepatitis in dogs and cats are more commonly caused by bacteria, and less commonly by fungal, parasitic or protozoal diseases, such as fungal (blastomycosis), parasitic (roundworm migration in puppies and kittens), protozoal (toxoplasmosis).

Hepatitis can also occur when the body’s immune system attacks itself. This is one of the more common causes of liver problems in dogs and cats.

The cause of the immune-system disturbance is not always apparent. In cats, it is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (usually associated with food allergies).



Some breeds of dogs can be predisposed to developing hepatitis, such as the Doberman, Labrador and cocker spaniel.


Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, which is an irreversible condition in which healthy liver tissue has been replaced by nonfunctioning scar tissue.



Liver toxicities can occur from ingesting certain poisonous mushrooms (Amanita); blue green algae; xylitol (found in sugar-free items such as chewing gum); acetaminophen (Tylenol); and abnormal reactions to some therapeutic medications (arthritis medications, immunosuppressant medications, anticonvulsants, and some antibiotics).

Many different types of tumors can affect the liver, some benign, some malignant. The cancer can start in the liver or it can spread to the liver from another site (metastasis).

Some metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s) can cause elevations of liver enzymes.

The most common congenital disease to affect the liver is a portosystemic shunt. This occurs when an abnormally-located blood vessel allows blood to bypass the liver, which is responsible for removing toxins. There are also some rare storage diseases that can affect the liver in certain breeds (Bedlington terriers, West Highland white terriers, Doberman pinschers.)

Question: When the vet orders a complete blood chemistry to determine the health of my pet, what kinds of liver-related issues might he/she be looking for?
Answer: The main tests that give us information about liver health are ALT, ALP, GGT, AST and bilirubin. Increases in these numbers indicate that something is wrong with the liver, but not the specific disease process.

An ultrasound, aspirate or, preferably, a biopsy is usually needed to reach a definitive diagnosis. Other values such as BUN, albumin and cholesterol can be helpful as well. Decreases in these numbers indicate decreased liver function.

Another test that might be recommended when liver disease is found is bile acids, which looks at liver function more specifically. These are very elevated with shunts and liver failure.

Question: What are the physical symptoms of liver problems?
Answer: Some dogs and cats will have no symptoms of liver disease, and it is discovered on routine blood work. Symptoms in ill dogs and cats can include vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, seizures or disorientation (with shunts or end-stage liver failure), or a yellowish discoloration of the skin (jaundice or icterus).

Question: Is liver disease treatable or reversible? How quickly can liver cells rejuvenate?
Answer: Infectious hepatitis can be treated with antibiotics and should be reversible with the exception of viral disease. Immune-mediated hepatitis isn’t cured, but it is managed with medications that suppress the immune system.

Metabolic disease is treated by treating the specific underlying disease process.

Toxicities are usually treated with supportive care and the damage is often reversible.

Cancer of the liver may be treated with surgery or chemotherapy based on the type.

Liver shunts are treated with surgery to close the abnormal blood vessel.

The exact amount of time for liver regeneration is not known and depends on many factors, such as how much damage occurred and how healthy the remaining liver tissue is. In general, weeks to months is most likely.

Question: Are any liver problems age-related?
Answer: Liver tumors tend to be more common in older dogs and cats, although liver cancer could potentially occur at any age.

Young animals tend to be more prone to toxicities because they tend chew inappropriate things, and shunts are usually found in puppies or kittens if they are severe enough to cause clinical signs.

Question: Are there foods or diets that can improve the health of my pet’s liver? Are there some we should definitely avoid?
Answer: Dogs and cats with significant liver dysfunction usually do better on a lower protein diet. The liver is responsible for detoxifying some of the bacterial byproducts of protein digestion, and by supplying a higher quality but lesser amount of protein, the liver is delivered less of a load of substances to remove.

There are some prescription diets designed for dogs with liver disease that are limited in copper (copper tends to get deposited in the liver cells when there is chronic inflammation and it can continue the damage), and supplemented in zinc (helps to decrease copper absorption and removal of copper from the liver), and vitamin E (for it’s antioxidant effects).

Other than avoiding high protein in dogs and cats with liver disease, there are no other specific foods to stay away from. A high-fat diet is usually not a problem with primary liver disease.

Question: If my dog is a breed that is prone to liver problems, or I know problems have cropped up in the breeder’s line of dogs, should I have tests done more frequently or be on the lookout for certain symptoms that may appear? How can I be proactive?
Answer: Hepatitis is often asymptomatic (there are no symptoms that you can see), but yearly chemistry profiles are sufficient for most dogs and cats. Anytime a dog or cat becomes lethargic, is vomiting or has a decreased appetite, blood work is usually a good idea.

Question: Are liver transplants available for pets? Can partial livers be used in transplant as they can in humans?
Answer: To date liver transplants have not been routinely successful in dogs or cats. Much of the difficulty arising from liver transplantation is ethical (taking organs from a healthy dog not able to deny consent), and the availability of a compatible donor.

Adapted from: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/tailsofseattle/2017382764_veterinary_qa_liver_disease.html

As you can easily tell from these presentations, the signs and symptoms of liver disease in your pets are very general in description and, for the most part, don’t necessarily point right at the liver as being involved.  That’s where the detective diagnostic efforts of your veterinarian come into play.  Getting your dog or cat to your veterinarian as soon as you realize something’s just not right and then describing what you are seeing will give your pet the best chance of surviving a liver disease.

Any questions or comments should be sent to Helpful Buckeye at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com  or submitted through the “Comments” section at the end of this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats.

SPORTS NEWS

The LA DODGERS have put themselves on a roller coaster again this past 7-10 days.  After sweeping a 3-game series from the hated Giants, we went home to LA and promptly lost a 3-game series to the Diamondbacks, then swept a 3-game series against the Cubs.  This allowed the D’Backs to make the NL West division into a 3-team pennant race…August and September could be very interesting since all 3 teams play each other 9 more times.

PERSONAL STUFF
Desperado and Helpful Buckeye have been invited to a summer evening “tasting menu” at our favorite Arizona restaurant marking the arrival of a new executive chef…and we plan to do so this week.  We’ll also be using this as a sort of celebration of Desperado’s recent good news.  Following this dinner, we’ll start hitting the trail again…catching up on some day trips and 2-3 day trips that we’ve had planned.

Helpful Buckeye has been gradually making the partial transition from this activity…

to this activity…in preparation for my next challenging experience.

Guess what showed up this past week…some things never ever lose their luster!

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet’s health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Vaccines have been around for a long time. The term “vaccine” comes from the Latin word “vacca” which means cow. It was discovered that cowpox virus protected people from small pox infections. The first experimental vaccine was taking cowpox pustules and rubbing them onto people to prevent small pox.Boy have we come a long way in preventing diseases. When it comes to vaccinating our pets, there has to be several considerations taken into account.

1. Is the disease endemic or epidemic in the pet’s area? Is the disease prevalent?


2. How is the disease transmitted?


3. Is the vaccine safe? Are there any side effects?


4. What is the efficacy of the vaccine? Are most vaccinated pets protected after the vaccine?


5. How dangerous is the disease?


6. How is the vaccine administered?


7. What is the frequency for boosters?

This is basically called a risk assessment. Each pet has their own unique environment and considerations. There is a big difference between a pet that lives completely indoors versus a pet that lives outdoors all the time. There is a difference between the multi-pet households and the single pet households. The pets that go to grooming, boarding, day care, or shows have a higher exposure to diseases. Pets in shelters probably have the highest risk of all. All the circumstances must be taken into consideration.

The American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and American Association of Feline Practitioners have vaccine recommendations. The vaccines are broken down into core and noncore.

Dog core vaccinations are canine distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. The noncore canine vaccines are leptospirosis, giardia, cornavirus, bordetella, and Lyme’s.

Cat core vaccinations are panleukopenia (distemper), feline viral respiratory disease complex (rhinotracheitis and calicivirus), and rabies. The noncore vaccines for cats are feline leukemia, feline immunodificiency virus, chlamydia, and bordetella,

The core vaccinations are for all pets, no matter their living circomstances. The noncore vaccines require a risk assessment. For example, canine bordetella vaccine is highly recommend for grooming, boarding, show, and/or shelters situations. Feline leukemia vaccine is highly recommended for outside cats and catteries.

In summary, pet vaccines have been around for many years. I have vaccinated many pets since 1979. And I have had some reactions with vaccines. I have also seen a lot of disease during that time that could have been prevented. I’ll take the low probability of a vaccine problems versus the diseases they prevent anytime. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s risk.

Giardia and Companion Cats and Dogs

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.

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

Sphynx Cats with Diarrhea

So you’re doing your everyday business cleaning the house, or working from home on your computer and suddenly you hear a sound of running water from your precious Sphynx litter box with a horrific smell that literally chases you and your other family members from the room! Diarrhea or any other bowel issues can be caused by many things like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but too many times there is one little pain in the but parasite that goes untreated or misdiagnosed, that would be called Giardia.

What is Giardia you ask?

If your Sphynx has these symptoms, chronic diarrhea, horrible smelly poop, soft stools, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes even vomiting it’s quit possible he or she has Giardia. The parasite lives in the intestinal tract and causes damage to the intestines. Giardia is commonly seen in young cats confined together in groups, such as a cattery, kennels, shelters, and pet stores.

Symptoms

Diarrhea is the most common sign of infection. Some cats may vomit in addition to the diarrhea. Weight loss may occur secondary to the diarrhea. The cat may still have a good appetite as well but still have the diarrhea. In many instances, a cat may be infected with Giardia, but show no clinical signs at all. So when you tell your vet after days and weeks of chronic, smelly diarrhea that you think it may be Giardia, and he or she shakes their head no, insist he or she prescribe treatment for your sphynx which generally would be Metronidazole (Flagyl).

Diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose Giardia infection. The most common methods involve analysis of a fecal smear. Direct analysis of a fecal sample may lead to a quick diagnosis. A fecal sample can also be sent to a diagnostic laboratory for more sophisticated testing. Many vets misdiagnose Giardia because sometimes it takes several samples to show positive! So do not take no for an answer!

Treatment

Metronidazole (Flagyl) has been used extensively to treat Giardia in dogs and cats, as well as in people. This drug has an added advantage of being effective against other protozoans and some bacteria that might also be contributing to the diarrhea. Side effects involving the nervous system have been reported in some animals, although this is uncommon. Cats with Giardia need to have their prescribed medication administered faithfully. High fiber diets often provide additional help in controlling the diarrhea along with pumpkin. If you have other pets, all animals should be treated to prevent reinfection or transfer back into the home. Bathing all animals infected is recommended before introducing them into an uncontaminated environment which allows for removal of feces and infective cysts from the hair, coat or in the Sphynx case skin.

Prevention

Decontamination is recommended in multiple pet households and in crowding situations (kennels, a cattery, shelters, or pet stores), proper sanitation is key to prevent cross contamination from one animal to another. All fecal material needs to be removed from cages, runs, and yard. Kennels and cages need to be cleaned with proper disinfectants and let totally dry before allowing animals back into them.

Sphynx Cat Community

Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats

Diarrhea is one of the digestive tract disorder the most common pet owners. Diarrhea itself is not a disease but a symptom that accompanies a disease or disorder in the body. Normally, adult dogs defecate once a day if fed one to two times a day. Changes in the form of increased frequency of defecation, stool volume and consistency from soft to liquid and can be accompanied with the presence or absence of stool discoloration is a common symptom of diarrhea. Although diarrhea easily recognizable, but to find the cause and treatment is quite complex because many factors influence the existence of the digestive tract function.

Factors that could cause diarrhea in dogs include:

1. Diet

Diarrhea caused by dietary factors may include the sudden replacement of food, overeating (the portion of food too much), food intolerance, the presence of foreign objects that can not be digested such as grass and unclean food sources such as from garbage.

Replacement food abruptly can cause disruption to normal flora balance in the intestinal tract so that food replacement should be done gradually by mixing the old food with just enough food within 1 week for normal intestinal flora to adapt.

Dogs may also experience intolerance to a particular substance or element content of foods is also influenced by differences in individual sensitivity. One of them that often occurs mainly in children where dogs are lactose intolerance can not digest lactose milk for lactase enzyme deficiency. The result is accumulation of lactose in the intestine and lead to excessive fermentation microbes that impact on osmotic diarrhea. Handling can be done is to give milk with low lactose content. In addition, dogs may also experience intolerance to spicy foods (lots of flavor) and are usually found in oily foods home.

Dogs who eat less than the net like the trash can cause diarrhea are also sometimes accompanied by symptoms of vomiting. This is because the possibility of bacteria or toxins in the food waste that can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Habits of dog bite hard objects or fibrous texture that is not including more food because of their behavior is indeed “like” it. Even a dog that is misbehaving in the stomach and feel generally uncomfortable urge to eat something that is fibrous like no other grass is one way of allocating the stress incurred by such discomfort. But the grass is irritating and can not be digested, so the impact a dog can vomit and the effect that further irritate the digestive tract can cause diarrhea.

2. Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasitic worms such as whipworms in dogs (flatworms), hookworms (hookworm), roundworms (worms gilig). Diarrhea that occurs due to the obstruction and mechanical injury by the infestation of worms in the mucosal epithelium of intestine and sometimes accompanied by blood. In a severe infestation of worms in the long run can also cause anemia, decrease in body weight, dull hair, decreased immune system, even perforations (holes) of the intestinal wall. For that dogs should be given regular worming every 3 months for prevention.

3. Bacterial infections and protozoa

Protozoa cause damage to intestinal epithelial cells because the intracellular and proliferate them are often attacked, especially in young dogs are giardia and coccidia. While the causes diarrhea by bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter. The specialty of bacteria in addition to causing damage to intestinal epithelial cells resulting in malabsorption, also can cause septicemia (the circulation of pathogenic bacteria in the blood vessels) and can result in enterotoxin as a result of metabolic waste. In general, bacterial and protozoan infections can occur through contaminated food besides that it also be zoonotic (contagious to humans).

4. Viral infections

The most frequently encountered and is usually fatal in children who have not vaccinated dogs are parvovirus and coronavirus. Infection by this virus causes acute bloody diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and severe dehydration. Unlike other infections, the virus is contagious (highly infectious) morbidity rate (virulence) and mortality (death) high, especially in young dogs. Prevention is by vaccination which could begin entering the age when puppies 6-8 weeks.

5. Drugs and toxins

Certain drugs can cause side effects of diarrhea, such as NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) such as aspirin, anthelmentik (de-worming), anticancer drugs and several types of antibiotics depends on individual sensitivity. For the toxin is generally not only cause diarrhea but also vomiting, even for toxin type organophospate (insecticide) can be accompanied by neurological symptoms (seizures).

6. Pancreatitis

Pancreatic inflammation can cause the production of digestive enzymes, so that ingesta in the intestine can not be digested properly. This condition affects not only the movement of ingesta normal motility but also the development of intestinal microflora. Consequently overgrowth can occur (excessive growth of microflora) that trigger diarrhea. Symptoms include abdominal pain, steatorrhea (fatty stools), decreased body weight as well as generally happens is chronic diarrhea and was not accompanied by blood or mucus (phlegm).

7. Gastrointestinal obstruction

Gastrointestinal tract obstruction can be caused by foreign bodies and narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract itself is caused by various factors such as torsio (rotation), gastrointestinal tract, intussuceptio (folded portion of the intestine into another portion of the intestine), abcess, intestinal tumors, as well as attachment channel for example by because of trauma. Symptoms other than diarrhea can also be accompanied by vomiting, anorexia (decreased appetite), depression and abdominal pain.

For intestinal tumors usually occur in areas often terminal colon and rectum and is generally found in older dogs. The tumor itself has a variety of types, but the most vicious among adenocarcinoma, and lymphosarcoma. Symptoms along with the development of tumors, namely chronic diarrhea, weight loss, low appetite, vomiting and black stools (due to blood mixed with gastric HCl in the gastrointestinal tract).

8. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The occurrence of IBD or better known as the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract suspected by the role of various factors such as nutrients, bacteria, genetic and immune system that causes a reaction resulting in disruption hypersensitif permeability and lesion (wound) mucosal tissue and eventually have an impact on the occurrence of chronic diarrhea.

In addition to the causes, you also need to recognize the duration of diarrhea in dogs that can be divided into 2 categories, namely diarrhea are acute and chronic. Acute diarrhea usually occur suddenly and lasted a short duration up to 1-2 weeks. Conversely, if there is persistent diarrhea (more than 3 weeks) or have a history of recurrent, it can be categorized as chronic diarrhea.

When your dog experienced a mild acute diarrhea, but his condition remained lively with a good appetite and without any other clinical symptoms of diarrhea that occur then the likelihood is more caused by dietary factors. Nevertheless both acute diarrhea and chronic nature still requires special attention when coupled with other symptoms such as decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, weakness, pale mucosa, diarrhea accompanied by blood or mucus, pain in the abdomen and so forth. In this condition you should immediately consult your animal to a veterinary clinic or a local vet to get immediate treatment and examination of the possibility of a serious illness.

Giardia in Dogs and Cats

In reviewing our 2012 fecal test results at our practice, we found 20% of fecal tests were positive for intestinal worms such as roundworms, coccidia and Giardia. Surprisingly, Giardia infection made about one half of the positive tests.

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection of man and animals caused by a protozoan parasite Giarda intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia).  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.  A dog becomes infected with Giardia when it swallows the cyst stage of the parasites. In susceptible dogs, once the cyst passes into the dog’s intestines; it goes through transformation to the trophozoite or feeding form and attaches to the intestinal wall to feed. If sufficient numbers are present, clinical signs of damage to the intestinal wall will develop. Trophozoites reproduce by dividing, and some transform into the cystic form. Eventually, the dog passes cysts in its stool.  These cysts are immediately able to infect another animal. Giardiasis can be transmitted by eating or sniffing the cysts from contaminated ground, or by drinking contaminated water or a dog can reinfect itself by licking its soiled rear-end!

When Giardia cysts are found in the stool of a healthy adult dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal if left untreated.  The likelihood of developing disease increase when large numbers of cysts are present in the environment from fecal contamination. Giardiasis is a common occurrence in environments that are densely populated, such as kennels, pet stores, or animal shelters.

What are 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 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.

Personally, I contracted Giardia as a nineteen year old from drinking stream water while back packing nearEstesPark. Twelve weeks and a 16 pound weight loss later, the doctors finally figured it out (after I told them I drank stream water) and I was cured.

A routine fecal floatation test may fail to detect these tiny cysts, which are shed inconsistently in the feces, and which often require a special zinc sulfate flotation solution for detection. Occasionally, the parasites may be seen on a direct smear of the feces. If your veterinarian suspects giardiasis, a sample of stool may be analyzed for the presence of Giardia specific antigens (cell proteins). Many cases are presumptively diagnosed on the basis of medical history and clinic signs suggestive of giardiasis.

The most common drug used to kill Giardia is fenbendazole, or Panacur. It is normally given for five days to treat giardiasis. Another antiparasitic drug, metronidazole, is an older treatment that is still quite useful, but not quite as effective as fenbendazole. A combination can be administered to pets 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 pets may require follow-up tests and treatments based on their condition and severity of infection. Lately, at our practice, we have seen resistant cases require repeated treatments.  The prognosis is good in most cases. Debilitate or geriatric animals and those with incompetent immune systems are at increased risk for complications, including death.

Giardia can cause diarrhea in humans and can potentially be passed from dogs to humans. In the past, it was assumed that cats and dogs, along with wildlife, were an important source of infection for humans.  However, human-to-human transmission is the most likely and important source and contaminated municipal water supplies are responsible for many outbreaks. Research suggests that although a dog or cat’s Giardia can infect a human, and a human’s Giardia can infect a dog or cat, the two are usually separate.

Even though it appears that a pet’s Giardia will rarely cause problems in humans, if your pet is diagnosed with giardiasis, environmental disinfection and good personal hygiene are important to prevent accidental spread to humans. In particular, people with immunodeficiency, such as AIDS or cancer, or who are undergoing chemotherapy, should use care, especially when handling feces or after administering medications.

For environmental disinfection, you can use chlorine bleach at 1: 32 dilution, or 1 cup in a gallon of water. However, be sure that the affected surfaces can be safely treated with bleach. Giardia cysts are susceptible to drying so try to keep your environment as dry as possible. For best results, thoroughly clean the pet’s living and sleeping areas and then allow the areas to dry out for several days before reintroducing pets.

In closing, Giardia, especially in dogs, seems to be on the rise. Annual fecal testing at your veterinarian would be advised.

valleyadmin | Pawsitively Pets

Giardia in Dogs and Cats

Giardia is a parasitic protozoa which lives in the intestines of infected dogs and cats. Giardia is commonly found in the environment, and can be found in ponds, rivers, puddles and even the soil. Dogs commonly contract Giardia by ingesting an infected cyst that has been shed in another animal’s faeces or by drinking contaminated water from puddles or rivers. Once the cyst finds it’s way into the intestines, it releases the parasite.

Many pets are asymptomatic; however in some there may be acute or chronic diarrhea. If left untreated, this can progress to severe bloody diarrhea as well as weight loss and other related digestive system problems. Diagnosis is made by a special fecal test which can be performed at your veterinarian’s practice.

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WORMS AND INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Dogs and cats are susceptible to parasites. You can prevent and treat parasites very easily.

TYPES OF TEST

FECAL STOOL EXAM is used to diagnose the presence of intestinal parasites. A fresh stool sample from pups or kittens should be tested by your veterinarian when they are 6-8 weeks of age. Adult pets should have their stool tested every six months or at least yearly.
When you adopt a new dog or puppy, it is recommended to get a fecal test after about 10 days of the dog being home. Even if the dog or puppy had a fecal exam completed once brought into the rescue, the stress of going into a new home can weaken the immune system and resting parasites can surface. The average incubation period for parasites is 10 days.

HEARTWORM EXAM is used to search your pet’s blood for evidence of heartworm infection. Puppies should be tested at six months of age. Adults should be tested annually in the spring. If you are bringing a dog in from a shelter ask if a heartworm test was done. If not, get a heartworm test immediately.

TYPES OF INTERNAL PARASITES
ROUNDWORMS of ascarids are intestinal parasites found in both dogs and cats. But the common ascarid of cats does not infect dogs and vice versa. Roundworm infection can be fatal in young puppies and kittens. These large worms fill the small intestine and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Signs of roundworm infection in dogs include a pot belly, diarrhea, dull scruffy coat and weakness

WHIPWORMS are bloodsucking parasites that live in the large intestine. They cause inflammation, bloody stool and diarrhea. Your pet will experience abdominal pain, general malaise and a decreased appetite.

HOOKWORMS are bloodsucking parasites found in both dogs and cats. But the common hookworm of dogs does not infect cats and vice versa. Hookworm infection can cause severe, even fatal blood-loss especially in pups.

TAPEWORMS are common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. Fleas, rabbits, mice, rats and other animals carry and intermediate stage in the life cycle of tapeworms. Dogs and cats become infected with tapeworms by eating these carriers. The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats is carried by fleas. If your pet is exposed to fleas, watch for tapeworm segments passing with your pet’s stool.

COCCIDIA are intestinal parasites of dogs and cats which can cause diarrhea and weight loss. Coccidiosis usually affects young dogs and cats, especially those from places where large numbers of animals are kept together, such as kennels, catteries, pet stores and puppy mills.

GIARDIA is a single-celled parasite that lives in your dog’s intestine. It infects older dogs but more frequently infects puppies. Dogs become infected when they swallow Giardia that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces. Giardia infection, usually results in diarrhea. Having giardiasis a long time can cause weight loss; generally poor condition; and even death, when the disease is serious.

HEARTWORMS are most common in dogs, but cats have been known to be infected. They are parasites that spend their adult life in the heart and large blood vessels. They are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. Much of the damage occurs before there are any outward signs. Therefore, prevention is the key in protecting your dog.

When your dog is diagnosed with an intestinal parasite, make sure you clean your hard of any fecal matter immediately after elimination to prevent reinfecting your dog or puppy. If your dog or puppy has accidents in the house, use bleach when possible to kill any remaining parasite.

Always consult your veterinarian with questions or concerns.