Chewie has Gerardia
 

Fortunately, thanks to the suggestion of our excellent vet, when I mentioned the frequent gas she was having, but NO other symptoms not even diarrhea, he's confident that it will go away with one treatment. He cautioned that quite often it's very difficult to treat.

I DO want to know how IS this transmitted? Is it always through fecal transmission? Could it have been even as far back as her breeder, despite no symptoms? We have a lot of dogs on this property, and a lot of owners who don't pick up their poop. I've taken to picking it up myself. It's very difficult to walk her without her wanting to nose everything, which is normal for a puppy- it's why I'm asking. I really hope I can get an answer. I know how fast this board moves. *edited to add, I mean Giardia!!! I HATE spelling things wrong

It is transmitted through spores, that's why it's so tough to treat bc spores can live forever. The incubation time can be anywhere from about 5-14 days or so, depending upon strain etcetera. It's not uncommon for puppies to get giardia -- but you're actually very lucky bc they usually get VERY very sick - not just gas.

I think most dogs get giardia from drinking water that is contaminated with feces that contain giardia cysts. It is possible she could of had it since she was a very young puppy. Hopefully Chewie will respond well to the treatment.

You know, when I called the vet after chewie swallowed part of that nylabone, they weren't going to see her. I was INSISTENT that something was wrong that day. She woke up from her afternoon nap on my chest (sometimes a shirt of mine pulled from the laundry hamper) and she suddenly stretched, groaned, and sounded like she had popcorn in her stomach. And this wasn't the first time, either. Off and on. Usually didn't pass the gas. Definitely didn't that day. You know I thought it was the bone, as there was still danger. I'm very fortunate that the vet I saw that night took me seriously and said, I'm concerned, I'll be honest and I don't hear it now, and this shouldn't be happening. Said point blank that it wasn't the bone, and gave us probiotics on top of it. So he ordered the fecal sample. I don't care, people can call me Nervous Nelly, or Neurotic. I won't doubt that feeling again, that's for sure.

Oh no ... sad face. I am VERY experienced with giardia now (sigh). Monty came to me end of January at 8 months with the parasite. Absolutely no symptoms. The only reason I found out is because when I was looking over his paper work I asked the vet what the 2 medications were that he had been on when he was 3 months old. Vet said probably giardia. I asked how do we know they are gone? Poop test. Positive. Yep.

Long story short, he went through 3 rounds of meds before he came back negative.

From Mr Google... "Giardia parasites live in the intestines of people and animals. Before the microscopic parasites are passed in stool, they become encased within hard shells called cysts, which allows them to survive outside the intestines for months. Once inside a host, the cysts dissolve and the parasites are released. Infection occurs when you accidentally ingest the parasite cysts."

Essentially every time Monty had a poop... he wee but got washed!

I hope that you are able to get rid of the wee beasties first med round.

Gosh, I'm sorry for you and that poor baby!!! I've seen your posts about the blood in his stool, and a few other ones. I'm SO glad that he's on the mend now.

My hands are rashed, and I have wipes in every room. I wash hands all the time. Insist when any one visits, expecially with pets they do the same

I also wipe her little behind every single time, hence the wipes. I think I've only missed once. Today, as I got two phone calls after it. I also will regularly look for little dingle berries and get rid of them- which she detests.

I still think it was that son of a motherless goat that walks his huge dog and lets him drop bombs- the dog is definitely sick with something, and it's most likely gastrointestinal- huge black and hard ones. Chewie is a bottom feeder (and I saw that phrase today and I was literally snorting from laughing, SO true!) and she sniffs around our home every time, despite us hurrying her along.

Hoping Chewie is doing well? One of the things I learned in all of my research on giardia (gods I read SO much my boyfriend thought I was having an affair!) is that no matter how careful people are sometimes it takes 2 or 3 rounds of meds to clear it up so please don't be discouraged.

AND I feel for you about that dog on your complex! I too live in an apt building so Monty's poop walk is fraught with danger from potentially contaminated poop from all the other dogs who have <insert nasty word> owners who won't pick up after them!!

My vet (bless him) sent his assistant after me as I was leaving an appt with this contraption for picking up poo. She was so confused. She said that most people do this (and she did the cutest little air bag swipe/twist/tie) with their dogs poop. I laughed. She said Dr Smith insisted she make sure she gave it to me. He really wanted Monty cleared up. How lucky am I to have such a great vet?

I have to fit a bag onto it and then I can use it. It's the most awkward thing I have every used. BUT. I was able to pick up (gag) other dog poop (sniffle snort) on his morning route. Because he kept testing positive I thought maybe he was picking it up from another dog.

GROSS!! There is a fine for not picking up after your dog but proving it is difficult. I have thought of putting my go-pro camera onto a baseball cap and wearing it when I am out walking Monty... or not walking Monty but out in the neighbourhood. SMILE!