Giardia is a parasite that may stay within the intestines of mammals, birds, and amphibians. There are numerous subspecies of Giardia that every goal a particular group of animals, however all of the subspecies have the identical life cycle and mode of transmission. The lifecycle of this parasite is made up of two levels: mature parasites and cysts. The mature parasite lives within the small gut the place they multiply and ultimately develop into cysts. Cysts are the infective stage and are shed into the feces of the contaminated animal the place they will survive for a number of weeks (and even as much as 2 years in some circumstances!!!) within the surroundings as cysts, and are then ingested by their “host” and switch right into a mature parasite and repeat the cycle.
Your canine may very well be that unsuspecting host that drinks water or eats one thing that has been contaminated by feces. As soon as the parasite is in your canine’s intestines, he can unfold it even when he doesn’t present any indicators of sickness or an infection. That is particularly worrisome when you’ve got multiple pet in your family. Transmission from canine to cats is feasible however unlikely, whereas transmission from canine to canine is sort of widespread.
Not all canine present indicators of this parasite, however once they do, it’s disagreeable. The commonest symptom is diarrhea. This is because of the truth that the parasite inhibits your canine’s skill to correctly take in vitamins, water, and electrolytes. The diarrhea might be intermittent or continuous, and failure to diagnose and deal with the illness can result in extreme weight reduction, and doubtlessly dying in excessive circumstances. Together with diarrhea and weight reduction, you might even see vomiting, dehydration and poor coat look. When you discover any of those signs, you need to name your vet.
To diagnose Giardia, your vet might conduct fecal diagnostic assessments in-house or a pattern might need to be despatched to a reference laboratory. Medication typically used to deal with it embrace Fenbendazole and Metronidazole. Supportive therapy could also be wanted if extreme diarrhea or dehydration are current. All contaminated pets must be retested 2-4 weeks after completion of therapy.
Whereas we might not be capable to management each facet of a canine’s surroundings, there are some issues we will do to forestall Giardia in canine. All the time be certain your canine has clear water out there, making them much less more likely to drink from contaminated puddles. Choosing up after your canine as quickly as doable will forestall cysts from getting into the surroundings. Attempt to not deliver your canine to locations the place there are giant quantities of canine feces, as it will restrict the opportunity of publicity. Sadly, your canine’s month-to-month flea/tick/heartworm preventatives don’t defend them from this parasite.
People CAN contract Giardia, although the percentages of getting it out of your canine are pretty low. Washing your arms after dealing with any canine poop will scale back that threat additional. Giardia in people is extra generally transmitted by means of ingesting contaminated water or meals. Be particularly cautious about your ingesting water whereas touring and contemplate shopping for a water filter in case your water supply is understood to include the parasite. Wash all produce earlier than consuming and wash your arms after working within the dust.
Prognosis for all is nice typically so long as correct therapy is accomplished!
