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Giardia in DogsGiardia in dogs is a one-celled organism found in the mucosal lining of the small intestine of dogs.
Giardiasis is a digestive disease caused by giardia infection. A dog becomes infected by ingesting contaminated water with infected animal feces in which the cyst form
of giardia resides. Once inside the dog's small intestine, the cyst opens up and releases the active form of the parasite which attaches itself to the intestinal wall
and begins to reproduce by cell division. Eventually, this parasite will encyst itself again and is passed outside via the feces of the dog.
People can be infected by Giardia as well. Animals tend to be more resistant to it than humans are. However, if an aminal does not have a strong immune system, it
cannot fight off the infection and will fall victim to the parasites as well. As in all cases of infections, the severity of the illness depends on the overall health of
the host.
In North America, infection of Giardia in dogs has been reported at about 8%, with much higher levels in puppies (36% to 50%). Animals in shelters and kennels run a much
higher risk of Giardiasis - up to 100%.
Giardia in Dogs - Symptoms of InfectionDogs with Giardia infestations sometimes show no symptoms at all. If they do, symptoms usually show up after 7-10 days of ingestion. The symptoms are commonly associated with digestive disorders, such as:
Diagnosis of Giardia in DogsThe traditional way to diagnose Giardia in dogs has been by microscopic identification of the cysts in feces of affected dogs. However, the cysts are small and delicate and are not passed with every stool, making diagnosis very difficult. Recently, the first commercially available diagnostic test using ELISA technology designed specifically for dogs and cats has been released. The test uses just a small sample of feces and can be completed in a very short time (8 minutes), and the cost is low. TopConventional Treatment for Giardia in Dogs
Conventional treatment includes the use of medications such as Metronidazole (Flagyl), Fenbendazole, Albendazole, and Quanacrine.
Metronidazole is most commonly prescribed but is only about 67% effective in dogs and can be toxic to the liver. It is also suspected to be teratogenic (it can cause
physical defects in embryos) and therefore should not be used on pregnant animals.
Fenbendazole seems to have fewer side effects than metronidazole. However, there have been cases in which dogs infected with Giardia have failed to respond to treatment
with both metronidazole and fenbendazole.
Albendazole has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Giardia but has been associated with bone marrow toxicosis.
Quanacrine is effective in dogs; however, the drug can cause anorexia, lethargy, and fever.
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Natural Remedies for Giardia in DogsAs conventional medications for Giardia infections in dogs have so many side-effects, it is much better to seek natural alternative remedies. Fortunately, there are quite a few remedies that can be used to treat this infection. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) GSE is perhaps the most effective natural remedy that can be used to treat Giardia in dogs. You can use one capsule (10-15 drops of the liquid) of GSE per 10 pounds of body weight, up to 3-5 times a day, for up to 14 days. Break open the capsule and mix it with food, or dilute it with water or a bit of veggie broth. Herbs Herbs that contain the active alkaloid constituent berberine, such as Oregon grape and goldenseal, are effective in treating Giardia infections in dogs. Berberine acts like an antibiotic, and since it is water soluble and alkaloid, it can withstand the digestive acids that destroy many other types of antibiotics in the digestive tract. Tinctures of Oregon grape or goldenseal can be given to a dog infected with Giardia twice a day for up to 10 days. Other herbs that are useful include garlic, licorice and cleavers. For diarrhea caused by Giardia, the herb slippery elm is effective. Other Supplements Other natural supplements that should be given to a dog with giardia are:
References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP OF Giardia in Dogs |
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