GIARDIASIS
General Information:
Giardiasis is an intestinal disease of people, dogs,
cats and other animals. It is caused by a microorganism called
Giardia, which is swallowed when the animal eats contaminated
stool, food or water. Giardia principally infects the upper small
intestine. Infected individuals pass the infective cysts in their
stool, and the cycle begins again.
Diagnosis may be difficult; therefore, repeated microscopic
examinations of multiple stool samples are often needed to find
the cysts.
The most common sign of infection is persistent diarrhea,
with pale, greasy and occasionally blood-tinged stool. Giardia
prevents proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate
intestinal lining, and interferes with digestion.
Public Health Significance:
Giardia is a relatively common intestinal parasite
in people. Good personal hygiene should be practiced in homes
where giardiasis has been diagnosed in a pet. Your pet's stool
should be cleaned up and properly disposed of. Children should
not be allowed to handle the stool.
Treatment Information:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the medication used
in the treatment of Giardia. Please use as directed for the specified
time length.
- Sun exposure and drying of the feces help eliminate
Giardia from your yard.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest
for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your
veterinarian's office, or feel free to
e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC
