Giardiasis in Dogs
Giardia are one-celled small organisms that inhabit the intestines of dogs and other animals. Though scientists and veterinarians do not fully understand these parasites, there are some identifiable symptoms and treatments available for dogs suffering from giardiasis.
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Symptoms
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During the early stages of giardiasis, there are often no symptoms. However, once the infection grows, dogs often show a loss of appetite. Additionally, the dogs' stools often become pale-colored, abnormally strong-smelling, and greasy in appearance.
Effects
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As giardiasis progresses, it often causes damage to the intestinal lining. The parasites also disrupt digestion and utilize nutrients that dogs need for healthy functioning.
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Causes
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Giardia infects dogs through a cyst containied in organisms that contaminate food or water. Inside the dog, the giardia attaches to the intestinal walls, reproducing by dividing into two again and again until the organism forma a cyst once more and passes out of the dog through feces.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians typically diagnose giardiasis by examining multiple stool samples taken a number of days in a row under a microscope. Also, a new method of diagnosis called ELISA uses enzymes to give giardia a fluorescent appearance, making them easy to spot.
Treatment
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The anti-parasite drug Fenbendazole and the antiobiotic drug Metronidazole often help combat giardiasis. However, the drugs can potentially cause side effects like liver damage,so some veterinarians do not treat giardiasis until it begins to present symptoms.
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