Giardia is an intestinal parasite transmitted through the ingestion of fecal matter. Signs of Giardia include unexplained weight loss and discolored or greasy stools having a particularly bad odor. Because Giardia prevents proper absorption of vital nutrients, timely diagnosis and treatment are of the utmost importance. Giardia is transferable to humans and is most often indicated by vomiting and acute diarrhea. For this reason, it is important to wash your hands and face after handling a dog that might have Giardia.
Instructions
Timing Is Key
Collect a fecal sample, preferably the first of the day, and take it directly to your veterinarian's office. If you are unable to transport the stool immediately, refrigerate it for up to 12 hours, but not beyond. After 12 hours, the stool is unlikely to yield accurate results in a fecal exam.
Request the Giardia-specific exam, as opposed to the routine fecal exam. Depending on the lab, this test may cost a bit more, though the benefits of early detection are well worth it. Unfortunately, Giardia protozoa are so small that they are not passed with every stool, hence the need for serial fecal exams---daily for three to five days---in some cases. Although the active form of Giardia is easily detected under a microscope because of the distinctive pear-shape and flagella, Giardia cysts--which can remain dormant in the system for months--are detected with a special solution that separates the cysts from the stool. Unlike the active protozoa, usually found in loose stools, cysts are found in firm stools that may appear normal to the naked eye.
You may also choose to begin treatment without a positive test. Because of Giardia's highly contagious nature, this is a particularly favorable option for households with small children or those that contain other pets. Giardia is usually treated with a series of oral antibiotics, including Metronidazole and the anti-parasitic Fenbendazole. Although the majority of infections are resolved in four to six weeks, eight to 12 weeks of treatment may be needed in highly concentrated cases.
Consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist despite treatment. Just because Giardia causes loose stools, doesn't mean it is the only cause of loose stools in your dog. In fact, dogs with Giardia often suffer from secondary bacterial infections that require differing forms of treatment, either separately or in conjunction with treatment for Giardia. Just as a negative fecal exam doesn't necessarily mean the absence of Giardia, neither does a positive fecal exam rule out a bacterial infection.