Protecting against GIARDIA.
Posted on Monday, August 27 @ 10:24:43 BST by jenvetadmin
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jenvetnurse writes "Another interesting article by Vetpro – how well informed are you?
Giardia infection is suspected to be ZOONOTIC. The original source may occur from cysts in contaminated water or the environment. Infected dogs may be carriers or dogs that have diarrhoea associated with infection may act as the source. Giardia overcomes the dog's defense against infection if the animal is stressed or immunosuppressed. As little as 10 cysts can cause disease in humans.
A recent survey indicated that 14% of all adult dogs and over 30% of dogs under one 12 months were infected. Once passed, the cysts can survive in cold water for several months.
The Giardia trophozoite which is the active stage of the organism - inhabits the small intestine of the dog. It attaches to the intestinal cells and rapidly divides to produce a population of trophozoites. As they detach they may be swept down the intestine. If intestinal flow is rapid they may show in the dog’s faeces. If they remain they develop into the more durable cyst form of the organism and these will be passed in the faeces. The cyst is able to survive in the environment better than the trophozoite which is very fragile. The cysts are infective once passed.
The most common route of infection is faeco-oral. For example, dogs may accidentally eat cysts as they lick around the environment or lick other dogs' coats (particularly if the other dog has diarrhoea). Another major source of infection in human cases is drinking contaminated water. Once eaten, the cyst breaks open in the animals' intestine and releases two new trophozoites to initiate infection.
CLINICAL SIGNS of Giadia include light coloured greasy and soft faeces as food is inadequately digested. Shedding of cysts occurs 1 week after infection. Usually there are signs of large intestinal irritation, such as straining and mucus in the faeces, even though the Giardia do not colonise the large intestine.
Blood testing will show an increase in eosinophils and mild anaemia.
Left untreated the condition may continue either chronically or intermittently for weeks or months.
DIAGNOSIS can be reached from faecal testing. Giardia cysts can be seen directly in faecal samples or indirectly using an Elisa technique. Direct examination of faeces, using zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation. followed by staining the supernatant with Lugol's iodine, has been found to be up to 70% effective at detecting infection from a single faecal sample.
TREATMENT. Unfortunately there is no licensed treatment available for the control of Giardia in dogs. Fenbendazole – Panacur is recommended. However it is unlikely to eliminate 100% of the infection in all dogs. Repeating the treatment a week late is good practice and also faecal testing to ensure treatment has been successful.
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