Giardia is not an actual worm but a one-celled organism that infects the small intestines of cats and dogs. These infections by the protozoa are still being studied, as the organisms are not yet well understood.
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Transmission
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Cats get giardia by ingesting the organism during the cyst form of its lifecycle. Usually this comes from drinking water contaminated with the protozoa.
Symptoms
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Many cats will show no symptoms that they are infected with giardia. However, in kittens, an infection can cause severe diarrhea and weight loss.
Diagnosis
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Giardia is difficult to diagnose. Many times veterinarians must test stool samples for a few days before being able to find the organism under a microscope. Sometimes veterinarians will treat for giardia based upon the cat's symptoms and without a definite diagnosis.
Treatment
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The de-wormer febendazole can help control giardia. Metronidazole may also be used, but it has many side effects. Furazolidone is sometimes prescribed, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Humans
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It is not known if the giardia protozoa that infects cats can infect people. There are many species of the protozoa, and it is unclear at this time if they are species-specific in the hosts they infect.
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