Giardia is a parasite that may reside within the intestines of mammals, birds, and amphibians. There are lots of subspecies of Giardia that every goal a selected 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 phases: mature parasites and cysts. The mature parasite lives within the small gut the place they multiply and finally grow to be cysts. Cysts are the infective stage and are shed into the feces of the contaminated animal the place they’ll survive for a number of weeks (and even as much as 2 years in some instances!!!) within the setting as cysts, and are then ingested by their “host” and switch right into a mature parasite and repeat the cycle.
Your canine could possibly 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 a couple of 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 after they do, it’s disagreeable. The most typical symptom is diarrhea. This is because of the truth that the parasite inhibits your canine’s capacity to correctly take in vitamins, water, and electrolytes. The diarrhea will be intermittent or continuous, and failure to diagnose and deal with the illness can result in extreme weight reduction, and doubtlessly demise in excessive instances. Together with diarrhea and weight reduction, you may even see vomiting, dehydration and poor coat look. In case you discover any of those signs, it is best 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. Medicine usually used to deal with it embody Fenbendazole and Metronidazole. Supportive therapy could also be wanted if extreme diarrhea or dehydration are current. All contaminated pets ought to be retested 2-4 weeks after completion of therapy.
Whereas we might not be capable of management each side of a canine’s setting, there are some issues we will do to stop Giardia in canine. All the time be sure that 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 stop cysts from coming into the setting. Strive to not convey your canine to locations the place there are giant quantities of canine feces, as it will restrict the potential for publicity. Sadly, your canine’s month-to-month flea/tick/heartworm preventatives don’t shield them from this parasite.
People CAN contract Giardia, although the percentages of getting it out of your canine are pretty low. Washing your palms after dealing with any canine poop will cut back that threat additional. Giardia in people is extra generally transmitted via ingesting contaminated water or meals. Be particularly cautious about your consuming water whereas touring and contemplate shopping for a water filter in case your water supply is thought to include the parasite. Wash all produce earlier than consuming and wash your palms after working within the grime.
Prognosis for all is sweet normally so long as correct therapy is accomplished!
