Hi I've posted recently because Molly my rescue lab has started soiling her bed and various other areas of the house, I've just had a call from the vet and it seems that she has tested positive for a parasite called Giardia, I'm really worried as the research that I've done indicates that it can be passed to other pets and to humans, does anyone know anything about this and what can be done for it. At present she is being treated with antibiotics and a course of worming powders that target the parasite. We seem to be lurching from one crisis to another with her at the moment, I have an older lab, a geriatric cat and another younger cat, so am really concerned. Thanks for any help. Sue C
Re: giardia parasite Hi Sue, try not to panic - you are on to it, Molly is getting the treatment she needs; and you know that scrupulous hygiene (as far as possible with all your pets!) is important. Deep breaths - you will get this under control. We're here to listen and give support. Karen
Re: giardia parasite So sorry hear this - Angela might be in bed by now, but she has lots of experience with this (I think, unless I remember incorrectly). I think Dex had it not long after she got him. To cheer you up, before someone who knows more than I do comes along, Dex is now fine - more than fine, a lovely, fit, beautiful boy.
Re: giardia parasite Hi Sue, Sorry Molly has picked this up,Julie remembers right Dex did have it shortly after he arrived and I was worried to death but he was absolutely fine .....we never identified the source but our vet said most commonly it can be in water....pools,lakes,irrigation water....or even shared drinking bowls at dog parks and training facilities.....it's the same parasite we can pick up from unwashed fruit and veg,the shared drinking vessels will be something you should manage to stop your other animals picking anything up and is she sleeping separately to your other pets if she's soiling her bedding?i would keep them separate while you get it cleared up. Dexter had runny,greenish stools which I was watching and waiting on as he had just relocated from the cold of Scotland to the heat of Dubai,And I was in the process of changing his food.i thought maybe he was just settling down .I changed vets and she picked it up at his initial checkup...he didn't have any other symptoms at all.he responded really well to the antibiotics,no ill effects at all, although it did take 2 courses and so he took a probiotic too as his tummy was ( and still is to be honest) really sensitive.he had a strong positive test at first ,then after his first antibiotics a faint positive ,then after the second course of pills his test was negative.Its a tricky little bugger to get rid of and it can give you negative test when there are still spores in their system so me being me I took him back for another test about a week later and it was still negative. I kept him away from all possible sources within my power,I know it wasn't our pool as I had that checked and we would have picked something up.my niece and nephew see him every day and we just made sure they were scrupulous washing their hands so they were fine. You are on the right course of treatment and that will clear it ,it took us about 10 -14 days to get the all clear.your challenge will just be to keep the other animals clear from it during that time,that will be quite hard Hope that helps ,I'm sorry she's picked it up. When do you go,back to the vets? Best wishes angela
Re: giardia parasite Hi Sue , cant add anything to the great advice, just to say I am sorry to hear about this and hoping that Molly will soon be back to good health x
Re: giardia parasite Thanks for the encouraging words, I take her back to the Vet on Monday, I'm wondering if I should have my other dog tested as well? The 2 dogs sleep seperately but they share toys as the minute Molly picks up a toy thats the one Floss wants and vice versa, I don't really see a way of keeping them apart, without making them both miserable. Molly is very affectionate and trys to lick our hands and faces, can the parasite be passed on to humans in this way? Do we humans in the house need to get tested? Oh dear...I keep telling myself not to panic but this has really thrown me a curve ball. Sue C
Re: giardia parasite My daughter got it when we lived in Oman. Apparently about half the human population have it but only a few show symptoms. So normal hygiene precautions would be sensible. Can't remember the treatment now for our Alex, but it seems to have worked as she is now grown up, married and has a 2 year old daughter! I'm sure all will be well.
Re: giardia parasite Sue don't panic . I know how it feels to go from one thing to another it's like it's never going to end but it does and it will. Molly is now being treated and she will be fine. If you think about it it's better that it's something that can be got rid of with medication rather than tha bed soiling being caused by stress or fear of something. If it was me I'd have my other dog tested, possibly even the cats although that might be taking it a bit far. I'd ask the vets opinion though about the other animals when you take Molly back. My two were both treated for campylobacter even though only scout had symptoms and was tested. Giardia is usually picked up from dirty stagnant water. However dogs can get it from eating contaminated cat muck ! My dogs love cat muck!!! Molly will be fine in no time now she's having treatment I'm sure. Jen
Re: giardia parasite Hi Sue, This is some information about Giardia in humans - http://www.patient.co.uk/health/giardia Its not all going to be relevant, but there is a bit about preventing spread of infection that might help you. Its really positive that you are on the right track now, I am sure things will get sorted out quickly with the right treatment. xx
Re: giardia parasite Hi, happy to say that Molly seems to be much improved, her lab tests post anti biotics and worming have now all come back negative, she has stopped soiling her bed and seems generally much happier. Thanks for all the advice much appreciated. Sue C
Re: giardia parasite I'm so pleased Sue,she will really pick up now and have more energy.....let the fun begin,enjoy her xxx
