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Originally Posted by NikkiSpice2  Thanks for the quick response. Stella is on Panacur (fenbendazole). Perhaps if she needs a second round I will suggest the other medication yous suggested. So I did read that Stella will always have Giardia and that it can flare up at times of stress. I heard they borrow into the lining of the intestine so you cant get rid of them completely...I was hoping that part wasnt true!! Does that mean she will always be able to infect me and other dogs she comes into contact with? I am really worried about her and me and everyone that comes into contact with her. Also, what is a probiotic? I am going to have to google it...is it a supplement or a type of food? i want to get her started on that immediately 
Thanks again! Its also good to know others have gone through this! |
There are two schools of thought - one that you can totally get rid of giardia, the other that you can't. I'm not sure which one is true, but I know my Sissy had it twice about 5 months apart. The first time, it took over a month of meds to clear it up, the 2nd time it cleared with just one treatment and she hasn't had it since. However, she was diagnosed with early stage Protein Losing Enteropathy (an intestinal disease) almost a year ago and there is much thought that her issues all stem originally from the giardia.
The difficulty with pancur is it is usually given in a powder, so unless Stella is eating canned food, it is difficult to administer and make sure she is getting her complete dose. Most everyone I've talked with had great success with Metronidazole after pancur not working. Many times, the vet will only give the meds for 5-7 days, when they really need a solid 10 day treatment as well. Generally, they won't re-test until a week after meds have been stopped.
A probiotic is the health bacteria you want in the intestinal system. Any type of antiobiotic kills healthy bacteria, so making sure she has a good supply and keeping it that way will go a long way for her health. I get mine from
Holistic Veterinarian Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet Care. It comes in a capsule form and Sissy gets 1/2 capsule (opened up and mixed with food) each day. She will get this for the rest of her life. You can get probiotics at any health food store and many vets carry them, but the version sold by askariel.com is the only one I've seen that can make the claim that they tested and exposed to high heat for several days without any molecular change.
Stella can only infect others if she is in an active state of giardia. However, all birds are carriers of this, so bird poop of any kind - even old and dried - is a contaminate source. Keeping up with baby wipes on feet and underbelly after every single outside is a great idea because of this. Giardia also can be found in most standing water, so if you yard contains anything like this, steer clear. After our 2nd bout, we became indoor washable pee pad users only as I was so paranoid about her getting it again. Even though it is contagious, my other two dogs did not get it either time Sissy had it.
Feel free to PM if you have any questions....