Giardiasis in pets

Giardiasis is a parasitic disease that results from the single-celled flagellated microorganisms Giardia. They are usually located in the small intestine of animals. Today, these are the most common parasites in pets. The causes of the disease are transmitted by giardia through faeces or by oral route (together with water, food and by eating feces). Parasite cysts can stay in the external environment from a couple of days to several months. To prevent infection, it is important to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the house and regularly clean the surfaces. The incubation period lasts from 5 to 16 days in cats and 5-12 days in dogs. The release of giardia cysts into the environment is carried out from about 2 to 7 days. Disorders in the maintenance of pets or their weakened immune system can provoke the disease. The clinical picture of the pathology is often manifested implicitly or in the form of small intestinal disorders and general malaise of the animal. Giardia can cause enterocolitis, which causes watery diarrhea with a peculiar odor. Infected pets may also experience vomiting, coprostasis, and severe weight loss, including anorexia. In neglected situations, paradises contribute to the formation of chronic duodenitis. Young individuals are most susceptible to giardiasis. The main sign of the disease is weight loss with a constant appetite.  Giardia also has a negative effect on the entire body of the animal, causing problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Sometimes there is damage to intestinal cells, which leads to disruption of the motor and secretory functions of the organ.

Diagnosis of giardiasis To make a diagnosis in the veterinary clinic, a rectal lavage is performed or a stool sample is taken for analysis. In parallel, it is necessary to differentiate giardiasis from other intestinal pathologies of an infectious and non-infectious nature.  More accurate results can be obtained through enzyme immunoassay. With its help, within 10 minutes, the doctor will either confirm the diagnosis or refute it with maximum accuracy. There are also other options for detecting the disease, for example, an immunochromatographic test and a polymerase chain reaction technique. Treatment of giardiasis Examination of a pet should be carried out by a veterinarian specialist. After that, he prescribes a series of studies and direct therapy. Giardiasis is most often treated on an outpatient basis. However, if the animal has a severe stage with pronounced diarrhea, the doctor has the right to prescribe infusion therapy in the veterinary clinic hospital. If pets have vomiting and stool disorders, they should be switched to easily digestible soft foods. In the case of intestinal diarrhea, the specialist recommends a special diet with a high fiber content. In any case, self-medication is strictly prohibited. Therapy and diet are selected by an experienced veterinarian who will help the pet get rid of the disease and unpleasant symptoms.