Giardiasis
Posted: Sunday, January 14th, 2024 | Updated: Sunday, January 14th, 2024
Posted: Sunday, January 14th, 2024 | Updated: Sunday, January 14th, 2024
General Information:
Giardia is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that may be identified in companion animals experiencing chronic diarrhea, weight loss or stagnant weights, malabsorption, and malodorous stools. Giardia trophozoites colonize the small intestine. This can often lead to a damaged intestinal wall because they adhere to the epithelial lining. As the trophozoites enter the large intestine, they often become cysts. Occasionally, trophozoites will be excreted intact due to increased GI transit times. Cysts are shed within 3 to 10 days of initial infection. They are very hardy and can exist in the environment for some time. Trophozoites are not as robust and often die before they're a problem.
A variety of diagnostic tests may be used to identify Giardia. A commonly used method is centrifugal flotation of feces using zinc sulfate solution. You may then check for cysts microscopically from the sample. Lugol's iodine stain may be added to visualize the cysts easier. Other testing includes direct smears to visualize trophozoites, ELISA tests (IDEXX - SNAP Giardia Test and Zoetis - VETSCAN Canine Giardia Rapid Test), PCR tests (IDEXX - Diarrhea RealPCR panels and Antech - Keyscreen GI Parasite PCR), and AI microscopes (Zoetis - VETSCAN IMAGYST and Heska - Element AIM).
Treatment regimens may include the use of medications like metronidazole, fenbendazole, Drontal Plus (praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel). Alternative medications are also available if needed. Patients may also benefit from probiotics and a high-fiber diet. Decontamination of the environment is also crucial in fighting reoccurring infections.
Giardia is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that may be identified in companion animals experiencing chronic diarrhea, weight loss or stagnant weights, malabsorption, and malodorous stools. Giardia trophozoites colonize the small intestine. This can often lead to a damaged intestinal wall because they adhere to the epithelial lining. As the trophozoites enter the large intestine, they often become cysts. Occasionally, trophozoites will be excreted intact due to increased GI transit times. Cysts are shed within 3 to 10 days of initial infection. They are very hardy and can exist in the environment for some time. Trophozoites are not as robust and often die before they're a problem.
A variety of diagnostic tests may be used to identify Giardia. A commonly used method is centrifugal flotation of feces using zinc sulfate solution. You may then check for cysts microscopically from the sample. Lugol's iodine stain may be added to visualize the cysts easier. Other testing includes direct smears to visualize trophozoites, ELISA tests (IDEXX - SNAP Giardia Test and Zoetis - VETSCAN Canine Giardia Rapid Test), PCR tests (IDEXX - Diarrhea RealPCR panels and Antech - Keyscreen GI Parasite PCR), and AI microscopes (Zoetis - VETSCAN IMAGYST and Heska - Element AIM).
Treatment regimens may include the use of medications like metronidazole, fenbendazole, Drontal Plus (praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel). Alternative medications are also available if needed. Patients may also benefit from probiotics and a high-fiber diet. Decontamination of the environment is also crucial in fighting reoccurring infections.
Sources:
Smith, Rachel C., and Lindsay Starkey. "Update on Giardiasis: Diagnostics, Treatment, and Management." Today's Veterinary Practice, November/December 2023. vol. 13, no. 6. pp.22-26.
Smith, Rachel C., and Lindsay Starkey. "Update on Giardiasis: Diagnostics, Treatment, and Management." Today's Veterinary Practice, November/December 2023. vol. 13, no. 6. pp.22-26.