Patient: Toby, a four-year-old neutered male Lab Retriever.
Problem: Toby had diarrhea for four days. Toby’s appetite
remained good and he was otherwise acting normal. His
owner gave him a bland diet for a few days, but the diarrhea
continued. Toby’s owner made an appointment with his
veterinarian.
Doctor Exam: The veterinarian performed a thorough physical
exam, which was normal. Fecal analysis done by routine fecal
flotation was negative. An additional stool sample was sent to
a lab for further analysis. Toby was treated with an antibiotic,
which is effective for certain intestinal bacterial problems as well as certain parasites. He
was also continued on a bland diet (chicken and rice).
Test Results: The result of the fecal test sent to the lab was positive for a microscopic
parasite in the intestines called Giardia. The lab found Giardia cysts in Toby’s fecal using
special methods. A test for proteins, called antigens, associated with Giardia in the feces
was also positive.
Outcome: Toby was treated with the medication for Giardia for two weeks. His stool
became more normal over a period of three to five days. His diet was gradually switched
from the bland food to his regular food (by mixing the two together for a few days). The
veterinarian discussed Toby’s lifestyle and habits to determine where he picked up
the Giardia parasite. Toby liked to drink from puddles at the park often. The doctor
recommended that Toby not be allowed to drink from puddles because Giardia is
often found in contaminated water or wet areas.
Discussion: Giardia is a protozoal parasite that can infect people, dogs and wildlife. The
symptoms of Giardia vary from diarrhea or losing weight to no signs at all. The parasite
is spread through water, usually by drinking it; however licking the feet after stepping in
contaminated water can also allow the pet to pick up the parasite.
Giardia can be detected by your veterinarian when they run special tests on the stool. It
can be difficult to diagnose because the parasite only sheds cysts intermittently. It is
treated with medication such as metronidazole or fenbendazole. There is a vaccine
available for Giardia, however it does not prevent infection, it just reduces the signs and
decreases the period of shedding the parasite cysts. This vaccine is usually not part of a
routine vaccine protocol, however it may be discussed by your veterinarian if your dog has
increased risks for exposure to Giardia.
The best way to prevent this parasite from infecting your dog is to prevent your dog from
drinking from questionable water sources and prevent exposure to fecal matter.
Ask the Vet is not intended to be a substitute for the regular veterinary care a licensed veterinarian
provides through routine physical exams, and should only be used for personal, educational and
informational purposes only. Responses do not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship,
and are not intended as veterinary medical advice.
Problem: Toby had diarrhea for four days. Toby’s appetite
remained good and he was otherwise acting normal. His
owner gave him a bland diet for a few days, but the diarrhea
continued. Toby’s owner made an appointment with his
veterinarian.
Doctor Exam: The veterinarian performed a thorough physical
exam, which was normal. Fecal analysis done by routine fecal
flotation was negative. An additional stool sample was sent to
a lab for further analysis. Toby was treated with an antibiotic,
which is effective for certain intestinal bacterial problems as well as certain parasites. He
was also continued on a bland diet (chicken and rice).
Test Results: The result of the fecal test sent to the lab was positive for a microscopic
parasite in the intestines called Giardia. The lab found Giardia cysts in Toby’s fecal using
special methods. A test for proteins, called antigens, associated with Giardia in the feces
was also positive.
Outcome: Toby was treated with the medication for Giardia for two weeks. His stool
became more normal over a period of three to five days. His diet was gradually switched
from the bland food to his regular food (by mixing the two together for a few days). The
veterinarian discussed Toby’s lifestyle and habits to determine where he picked up
the Giardia parasite. Toby liked to drink from puddles at the park often. The doctor
recommended that Toby not be allowed to drink from puddles because Giardia is
often found in contaminated water or wet areas.
Discussion: Giardia is a protozoal parasite that can infect people, dogs and wildlife. The
symptoms of Giardia vary from diarrhea or losing weight to no signs at all. The parasite
is spread through water, usually by drinking it; however licking the feet after stepping in
contaminated water can also allow the pet to pick up the parasite.
Giardia can be detected by your veterinarian when they run special tests on the stool. It
can be difficult to diagnose because the parasite only sheds cysts intermittently. It is
treated with medication such as metronidazole or fenbendazole. There is a vaccine
available for Giardia, however it does not prevent infection, it just reduces the signs and
decreases the period of shedding the parasite cysts. This vaccine is usually not part of a
routine vaccine protocol, however it may be discussed by your veterinarian if your dog has
increased risks for exposure to Giardia.
The best way to prevent this parasite from infecting your dog is to prevent your dog from
drinking from questionable water sources and prevent exposure to fecal matter.
Ask the Vet is not intended to be a substitute for the regular veterinary care a licensed veterinarian
provides through routine physical exams, and should only be used for personal, educational and
informational purposes only. Responses do not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship,
and are not intended as veterinary medical advice.
| Case Study - My Dog Has DIARRHEA |
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| Dr. Karen Zelinski works at Animal General Veterinary Hospital at 725 River Road, Edgewater, N.J. She graduated from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993; she has two Dalmatians and three cats. |