what is giardia? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LoveMyGirlz · 05-22-2007, 09:28 PM

I am freaking out! I was just reading another thread about this and that it is very hard to get rid of and contagious to other pets.....How do you diagnose it?? A stool sample?? I may be wrong, but I could swear our vet called today to tell me to pick up some meds to use for 6 days because Gemma's stool sample is positive!! I am almost certain he said giardia!?!? I asked if I need to treat my other dogs and he said no! Are the symtoms? Could he have said something else?? OMG I may call right now!!!!

Yorkiedaze · 05-22-2007, 09:37 PM

Giardiasis is a disease caused by protozoan of the giardia species. Dogs acquire the infection from drinking water from streams and other sources contaminated with infective oocysts.
Most infections in adult dogs are subclinical. Young dogs can develop a diarrhea syndrome characterized by the passage of large volumes of foul smelling, watery or "cow-pie" stools. The diarrhea may be acute or chronic, intermittent or persistent, and may be accompanied by weight loss.
Treatment: Giardiasis responds well to Flagyl (metronidazole). Because Flagyl causes developmental malformations in the fetus, it should not be administered to pregnant bitches. Other effective drugs are available.

YorkieShadow · 05-22-2007, 09:38 PM

Yes I would call them back and ask them again, you may have heard it wrong. I wish you the best. ill pray for your baby.

LoveMyGirlz · 05-22-2007, 09:52 PM

No I did not hear it wrong! I just called to be sure and I was right!

I am really getting mad at myself!! I have never had issues with my other 2 dogs....never, nothing!! They both came from the same breeder. This time, for whatever reason, I searched outside that breeder and got Gemma somewhere else. Why, when I've had such great luck and great dogs from Donna? Now this one comes to me with ear mites and giardia!! Putting my other babies at risk!! I am really angry! Or worried...or just over reacting, I don't know!
Anyway, the vet said not to worry about treating the other dogs, but what I'm reading contradicts that, don't you think?? I am taking a stool sample from all of them when I pick up the meds just in case.
I also emailed the breeder about this....however, I'm still waiting for a reimbursement for the ear mite problem.

LoveMyGirlz · 05-22-2007, 10:00 PM

I posted yesterday about Truffles acting different, weird and vomiting. And now today, Gemma vomited at 2 different times earlier, and ironically right after I posted this! I just called AGAIN to ask about this being a symptom of the giardia......Gemma just woke up from sleeping here on the bed and started heeving. They both have energy and they are eating "certain" things, so not totally avoiding food, but I do have to baby them to eat. I am not gonna sleep good tonight...........you guys have to remember Gemma is barely 2 lbs and Truffles is only 4 !

LuvMySissy · 05-23-2007, 02:39 AM

I would definitely get meds for all your pups!! Testing is done through a stool sample. Giardia can settle in the lower GI tract or upper GI tract. If in the lower GI tract - mucousy/bloody diarrhea will usually occur. If in the upper GI tract - vomiting. Pups can also have it and not be symptomatic. Stress will cause the giardia to multiply greatly!!!

Once diagnosed, everything the pup comes in contact with needs to be thoroughly disinfected with a bleach solutions (all toys, bowls, crates, floors, sleeping area, etc). And once a pup has had it, they are much more susceptible to getting it again. It is spread through the cysts present in feces of infected animals. Most birds are carriers, so walking over fresh or dried bird poop and then licking the feet can infect them and the spores also settle in standing water (puddles, streams, etc.).

Unfortunately, we've had two bouts of it with Sissy. One lower Gi and one upper GI. Pancur did not work for her, but a 10 day script of Metronidazole (liquid, beef flavored) worked great. When she had it two months ago, my vet also treated Angel as a precaution.

Good luck!!!

Wylie's Mom · 05-23-2007, 06:19 AM

INSIST ON TREATING ALL OF YOUR PUPS. Even if the adult is subclinical - she can still shed the cysts and then the baby could be reinfected.

Giardia can cause nausea - and so can the Metro. If nausea is still an issue, ask the vet for some Sucralate (sp?) - this will help the tummy.

Feed chicken and rice - and make sure they are drinking as much as possible, add some flavored pediatlyte to water to encourage them to drink more.

tiggerr36792 · 05-23-2007, 06:33 AM

Treat all of your dogs this is contagious to any dog that goes near and may possibly come in contact or ingest the infected stool. You can also get infected with it as well, so wear gloves when handling any stool. I suggest going to the store for some Lysol disinfecting concentrate liquid and washing all your floor with this. If you have carpets steam clean them adding this concentrate in the water too. Heres a link with information on it: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/giardia.html

This is not easy to get rid of because it can lay dormant and because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should receive a bath at least once in the course of treatment.
Wash everything and Bathe them well!!!

florecita · 05-23-2007, 06:38 AM

I agree with the advice to treat all your puppies!!
Leeloo came with it from the breeder and my vet decided just to treat her despite I told her Marley licks her all the time. After she got better he had diarrhea and to make long story short they've been on 4 sets of antibiotics and I still don't know if we got rid of it.

LoveMyGirlz · 05-23-2007, 08:27 AM

Thank you all....I'm off to post in the sick area. I have an appt in 1 hour for Gemma and I'm gonna raise hell! I was up all night with her vomiting and I'm worried sick!

Tatiana11 · 05-23-2007, 08:32 AM

hope everything goes well for u

take care. While it is a nasty thing to get rid of, I personally did not feel like it was end of the world. I was sad for Armani but at the same time I was glad it was nothing more serious

hope this helps. U can pm me if u want as it seems after 2 bouts of it with Armani, I have become a pro

roosmom · 05-23-2007, 08:51 AM

My puppy had ear mites as well (hopefully they're gone- we're going to the vet again next week for her second treatment and vaccinations). The vet said it was a sign of unclean living conditions!! My puppy also had bloody stool and we thought it might have been giardia but my puppy tested negative and the vet just put her on antibiotics and deworming stuff and she hasn't had a recurrance although we'll probably have her checked again next week! It's so frustrating! I don't understand why people are so irresponsible with their animals? I mean you would think someone who chose to breed puppies would be doing it partly for their love of said animal! I know I would! I can't imagine allowing the pups to live in such conditions that would allow them to get sick! It makes me so MAD!!!

LoveMyGirlz · 05-23-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roosmom

My puppy had ear mites as well (hopefully they're gone- we're going to the vet again next week for her second treatment and vaccinations). The vet said it was a sign of unclean living conditions!! My puppy also had bloody stool and we thought it might have been giardia but my puppy tested negative and the vet just put her on antibiotics and deworming stuff and she hasn't had a recurrance although we'll probably have her checked again next week! It's so frustrating! I don't understand why people are so irresponsible with their animals? I mean you would think someone who chose to breed puppies would be doing it partly for their love of said animal! I know I would! I can't imagine allowing the pups to live in such conditions that would allow them to get sick! It makes me so MAD!!!

I know what you mean....If I'm being fair, I can't blame the breeder for this and be 100% sure it came from her house. My dogs have been to the dog parks, etc...so there is no telling. I can't say I can think of a time they came in contact with yucky water though? They are inside most of the time - even to potty, and I'm so over protective that they are NEVER out of my sight! I drive my husband crazy....Anyway, the ear mites, my breeder DID say that her "new" Havenese came to her house with them and she found out after I got Gemma...

LuvMySissy · 05-23-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveMyGirlz

I know what you mean....If I'm being fair, I can't blame the breeder for this and be 100% sure it came from her house. My dogs have been to the dog parks, etc...so there is no telling. I can't say I can think of a time they came in contact with yucky water though? They are inside most of the time - even to potty, and I'm so over protective that they are NEVER out of my sight! I drive my husband crazy....Anyway, the ear mites, my breeder DID say that her "new" Havenese came to her house with them and she found out after I got Gemma...

The water doesn't have to look yucky to contain the giardia cysts. That is one reason it is so hard to get rid of. Contamination can come in so many different forms. They could have simply sniffed another dogs poo at the dog park and inhaled cysts.....

LoveMyGirlz · 05-23-2007, 11:49 AM

Gemma was admitted into the hospital!
I have a thread in the sick/injured section...please send her prayers!!!

05-22-2007, 09:28 PM	#1
LoveMyGirlz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,908	what is giardia? I am freaking out! I was just reading another thread about this and that it is very hard to get rid of and contagious to other pets.....How do you diagnose it?? A stool sample?? I may be wrong, but I could swear our vet called today to tell me to pick up some meds to use for 6 days because Gemma's stool sample is positive!! I am almost certain he said giardia!?!? I asked if I need to treat my other dogs and he said no! Are the symtoms? Could he have said something else?? OMG I may call right now!!!! __________________ God Bless our troops R.I.P. Sweet Lexxi Girl - you were taken too soon, we love you always Vixxen ,Truffles , Gemma Lexxi and their mommy Trina- Girls Rule!

05-22-2007, 09:52 PM	#4
LoveMyGirlz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,908	No I did not hear it wrong! I just called to be sure and I was right! I am really getting mad at myself!! I have never had issues with my other 2 dogs....never, nothing!! They both came from the same breeder. This time, for whatever reason, I searched outside that breeder and got Gemma somewhere else. Why, when I've had such great luck and great dogs from Donna? Now this one comes to me with ear mites and giardia!! Putting my other babies at risk!! I am really angry! Or worried...or just over reacting, I don't know! Anyway, the vet said not to worry about treating the other dogs, but what I'm reading contradicts that, don't you think?? I am taking a stool sample from all of them when I pick up the meds just in case. I also emailed the breeder about this....however, I'm still waiting for a reimbursement for the ear mite problem. __________________ God Bless our troops R.I.P. Sweet Lexxi Girl - you were taken too soon, we love you always Vixxen ,Truffles , Gemma Lexxi and their mommy Trina- Girls Rule!

05-22-2007, 10:00 PM	#5
LoveMyGirlz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,908	And I posted yesterday about Truffles acting different, weird and vomiting. And now today, Gemma vomited at 2 different times earlier, and ironically right after I posted this! I just called AGAIN to ask about this being a symptom of the giardia......Gemma just woke up from sleeping here on the bed and started heeving. They both have energy and they are eating "certain" things, so not totally avoiding food, but I do have to baby them to eat. I am not gonna sleep good tonight...........you guys have to remember Gemma is barely 2 lbs and Truffles is only 4 ! __________________ God Bless our troops R.I.P. Sweet Lexxi Girl - you were taken too soon, we love you always Vixxen ,Truffles , Gemma Lexxi and their mommy Trina- Girls Rule!

05-23-2007, 02:39 AM	#6
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	I would definitely get meds for all your pups!! Testing is done through a stool sample. Giardia can settle in the lower GI tract or upper GI tract. If in the lower GI tract - mucousy/bloody diarrhea will usually occur. If in the upper GI tract - vomiting. Pups can also have it and not be symptomatic. Stress will cause the giardia to multiply greatly!!! Once diagnosed, everything the pup comes in contact with needs to be thoroughly disinfected with a bleach solutions (all toys, bowls, crates, floors, sleeping area, etc). And once a pup has had it, they are much more susceptible to getting it again. It is spread through the cysts present in feces of infected animals. Most birds are carriers, so walking over fresh or dried bird poop and then licking the feet can infect them and the spores also settle in standing water (puddles, streams, etc.). Unfortunately, we've had two bouts of it with Sissy. One lower Gi and one upper GI. Pancur did not work for her, but a 10 day script of Metronidazole (liquid, beef flavored) worked great. When she had it two months ago, my vet also treated Angel as a precaution. Good luck!!! __________________ Sissy & Angel

05-23-2007, 06:19 AM	#7
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	INSIST ON TREATING ALL OF YOUR PUPS. Even if the adult is subclinical - she can still shed the cysts and then the baby could be reinfected. Giardia can cause nausea - and so can the Metro. If nausea is still an issue, ask the vet for some Sucralate (sp?) - this will help the tummy. Feed chicken and rice - and make sure they are drinking as much as possible, add some flavored pediatlyte to water to encourage them to drink more. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

05-22-2007, 09:37 PM	#2
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	Giardiasis is a disease caused by protozoan of the giardia species. Dogs acquire the infection from drinking water from streams and other sources contaminated with infective oocysts. Most infections in adult dogs are subclinical. Young dogs can develop a diarrhea syndrome characterized by the passage of large volumes of foul smelling, watery or "cow-pie" stools. The diarrhea may be acute or chronic, intermittent or persistent, and may be accompanied by weight loss. Treatment: Giardiasis responds well to Flagyl (metronidazole). Because Flagyl causes developmental malformations in the fetus, it should not be administered to pregnant bitches. Other effective drugs are available.

05-22-2007, 09:38 PM	#3
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	Yes I would call them back and ask them again, you may have heard it wrong. I wish you the best. ill pray for your baby.

05-23-2007, 06:33 AM	#8
tiggerr36792 BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California Posts: 6,685 Blog Entries: 1	Treat all of your dogs this is contagious to any dog that goes near and may possibly come in contact or ingest the infected stool. You can also get infected with it as well, so wear gloves when handling any stool. I suggest going to the store for some Lysol disinfecting concentrate liquid and washing all your floor with this. If you have carpets steam clean them adding this concentrate in the water too. Heres a link with information on it: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/giardia.html This is not easy to get rid of because it can lay dormant and because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should receive a bath at least once in the course of treatment. Wash everything and Bathe them well!!!

05-23-2007, 06:38 AM	#9
florecita Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: new hampshire Posts: 89	I agree with the advice to treat all your puppies!! Leeloo came with it from the breeder and my vet decided just to treat her despite I told her Marley licks her all the time. After she got better he had diarrhea and to make long story short they've been on 4 sets of antibiotics and I still don't know if we got rid of it.

05-23-2007, 08:27 AM	#10
LoveMyGirlz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,908	Thank you all....I'm off to post in the sick area. I have an appt in 1 hour for Gemma and I'm gonna raise hell! I was up all night with her vomiting and I'm worried sick! __________________ God Bless our troops R.I.P. Sweet Lexxi Girl - you were taken too soon, we love you always Vixxen ,Truffles , Gemma Lexxi and their mommy Trina- Girls Rule!

05-23-2007, 08:32 AM	#11
Tatiana11 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Aurora Posts: 599 Blog Entries: 1	hope everything goes well for u take care. While it is a nasty thing to get rid of, I personally did not feel like it was end of the world. I was sad for Armani but at the same time I was glad it was nothing more serious hope this helps. U can pm me if u want as it seems after 2 bouts of it with Armani, I have become a pro __________________ Armani, the little devil Mommy loves you

05-23-2007, 08:51 AM	#12
roosmom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 232	My puppy had ear mites as well (hopefully they're gone- we're going to the vet again next week for her second treatment and vaccinations). The vet said it was a sign of unclean living conditions!! My puppy also had bloody stool and we thought it might have been giardia but my puppy tested negative and the vet just put her on antibiotics and deworming stuff and she hasn't had a recurrance although we'll probably have her checked again next week! It's so frustrating! I don't understand why people are so irresponsible with their animals? I mean you would think someone who chose to breed puppies would be doing it partly for their love of said animal! I know I would! I can't imagine allowing the pups to live in such conditions that would allow them to get sick! It makes me so MAD!!!

05-23-2007, 11:49 AM	#15
LoveMyGirlz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,908	Gemma was admitted into the hospital! I have a thread in the sick/injured section...please send her prayers!!! __________________ God Bless our troops R.I.P. Sweet Lexxi Girl - you were taken too soon, we love you always Vixxen ,Truffles , Gemma Lexxi and their mommy Trina- Girls Rule!