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. |