OTITIS UROLITHIASIS TVT PYOMETRA G.I PARASITIC DISEASE Leonel Paloma OTITIS EXTERNA Otitis externa in dogs and cats is an inflammation of the layer of cells that line the external ear canal. The ear canal is the tubular portion of the outer ear that carries sound to the eardrum. The shape of the ear canal in dogs and cats is deep and curved, allowing dirt, wax and moisture to accumulate. Otitis externa occurs when the environment within the ear canal changes and the canal lining swells and secretes excess wax. The ear canal gradually narrows as excessive fibrous tissue is produced. The canal and the external ear, or pinna, become painful, itchy and red, and if left untreated, can lead to otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) or potential rupture of the eardrum. Etiology and Causes: Primary factors alter the ear environment, which allows secondary infections to develop. The major primary causes of otitis extema are allergy, endocrine, epithelialization disorders, foreign bodies, glandular disorders, autoimmune, immune-mediated such as drug reactions, fungal, parasites, viral like canine distemper, and miscellaneous (auricular chondritis, eosinophilic diseases, juvenile cellulitis, proliferating necrotitizing otitis of cats). Secondary causes are those that cause disease in an abnomal ear. These causes are relatively easy to eliminate and include bacteria,fungi, medication reactions, overcleaning, and yeast overgrowth. Perpetuating factors are not the cause of the inflammation but develop after inflammation sets in and the microclimate within the ear changes. • Fungal infections. • Inappropriate use of topical treatments. • Ear pathology, such as ulceration, thickened or folded canals. • Otitis media. Predisposing factors of otitis externa are a moist, dirty and poorly ventilated ear canal provides the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi and the development of infections. • The shape of the ear canal: the ear canal of cats and dogs is deep and curved, allowing dirt, wax and moisture to accumulate. • Breed susceptibility: especially among Spaniels and other dog breeds with long floppy ears that cover the canal opening, restricting airflow and trapping moisture. • Excess hair inside the ear canals, common in poodles and terriers, can also cover the canal opening, restricting airflow and trapping moisture. • Excess wax production in the ear canals. • Environment: a climate of high humidity and high temperature. • Maceration (soft, soggy skin): from frequent wetting of the ears while swimming, bathing or hosing. • Trauma: usually from inappropriate cleaning. • Concurrent systemic disease: for example, pyrexia. • Tumours, polyps, cysts which are more common in cats. Symptoms: Otitis externa can affect one or both ears. Head shaking Ear scratching Itchiness Redness of the skin Scaly skin Unpleasant odour coming from the ear Swelling Self-trauma to the ear, from scratching Aural haematoma from severe head shaking Discharge from the ear Signs of pain Treatment: Otitis externa is usually treated by putting drops or ointment directly into the affected ear. Oral medication may also be prescribed, particularly if there has been ongoing inflammation of the ear canal or suspected middle ear inflammation. • Ear drops or ointment to apply directly to the affected ear Antibiotic to kill harmful bacteria Antifungal to kill fungi or yeasts Antiparasitic to kill ear mites Anti-inflammatory to reduce pain and swelling • A cleaning treatment to remove excess dirt, wax and discharge from the ear canal, so that the drops or ointment can properly penetrate the ear canal. • Oral corticosteroids can be given for a short period at a high dose to open constricted canals and increase the effectiveness topical treatment. • Oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. • Oral anti-inflammatory tablets for pain. Removal of hair on the infected area to improve the cleaning and treatment of the infected ear. Sometimes from the ear canal, to improve ventilation and access for treatment. This is a painful procedure, usually done under anaesthesia. Surgical treatment: can also be performed if the condition is severe by • Lateral Wall Resection to increase the drainage and ventilation of the external ear canal. • Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy this entails complete removal of all external ear tissue except the pinna, as well as removal of infected tissue within the middle ear. a salvage procedure that should only be performed in otitis externa cases that are chronic and end-stage, It can also be performed if otitis externa is still present following a lateral wall resection. Prevention: • Keep ears dry and well ventilated as possible. • Don't stick anything into ear canal. • Don't swim in polluted water. OTITIS MEDIA/INTERNA Inflammation of the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it is most often caused by an infection. The infectious agent is most commonly bacterial, although fungus known as yeast can also be implicated in an inner ear infection. Clinical signs: • Intermittent head tilt, otorrhea, head shaking, pain on opening mouth, pain on touching ear. • Vestibular disease such as head tilt, nystagmus, ataxia, vomiting and cranial nerve deficits. Cause: • • • • • Extension of otitis externa it is present in 50% of chronic otitis media. Occasionally ascending infection via eustachian tube. Latrogenic causes Nasopharyngeal polyps Neoplasia of the middle ear. Diagnosis: • Otoscopic examination of the ear drum shape (bulging outward), colour (transparent). • Myringotomy: -Must clean ear canal completely -Aim for caudoventral quadrant using a 22 gauge spinal needle, contents. aspirate middle ear -Send contents for cytology, culture and sensitivity. • Survey radiographs. Increased opacity and lysis of the tympanic bullae, but poor sensitivity. • CT and MRI Treatment: • Topical preparations (water based not ointments), based on cytology, culture and sensitivity. • Systemic antibiotics for 6 to 8 weeks -Amoxicillin clavunic acid 25mg/kg PO BID -Enrofloxacin 5mg/kg PO SID • Systemic antifungal drugs for 4 to 6 weeks -Ketoconazole 10-20mg/kg/day PO -Itraconazole 5mg/kg PO SID for dogs, 10mg/kg PO SID for cats Surgical treatment options and indications: 1. Lateral wall resection of the vertical canal: • When diseases of the external ear canal where the medial wall changes are reversible, and the horizontal canal show no change. • Tumours of the lateral vertical canal. • Improve aeration of the horizontal canal and middle ear. • To improve ease of medication. • Questionable efficacy with reoccurance of ear disease in 70% of patients. 2.Vertical canal ablation: • Relapsing and nonresponsive patients. • Recurrent otitis externa/media or neoplasia. • Only after elimination of underlying disease and predisposing causes and medical therapy based on culture and sensitivity for atleast 6 weeks and elimination of otitis media. • Extensive irreversible pathological changes: calcified/ulcerated/narrow canals, osteomyelitis of tympanic bullae. 3. Total ear canal ablation: • Severe trauma of the ear. • Horizontal canal or bulla neoplasia. • Persistent otitis media or unable to medicate. • Irreversible hyperplasia of canal. UROLTHIASIS Urinary stones (urolithiasis) are a common condition responsible for lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. The formation of bladder stones (calculi) is associated with precipitation and crystal formation of a variety of minerals. Several factors are responsible for the formation of urinary stones High dietary intake of minerals and protein in association with highly concentrated urine may contribute to increased saturation of salts in the urine. Disease conditions such as bacterial infections in the urinary tract can also increase urine salt concentration. Conditions that contribute to stone formation: • High concentration of salts in urine • Retention of these salts and crystals for a certain period of time in the urinary tract • Optimal pH that favors salt crystallization • Scaffold for crystal formation • Decrease in the body's natural inhibitors of crystal formation. Signs and Symptoms: • Most urinary stones are located in the urinary bladder or urethra and only a small percentage are lodged in the kidneys or ureters. Urinary stones can damage the lining of the urinary tract causing inflammation. Inflammatory reaction may predispose the patient to UTI. • Urinary stones may physically block the urine flow causing urinary obstruction that requires immediate emergency treatment • Stones may also become lodged in the ureter (the portion of the urinary tract carrying urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder) causing an obstruction that results in serious kidney damage). Bladder Stones Blood in the urine Straining to urinate Urinating small amount frequently Abdominal discomfort Urinary accidents Urethral Stones Dribbling urine Straining or posturing to urinate with no urine production Abdominal discomfort Decreased appetite Lethargy Vomiting Blood in the urine Diagnosis: • Urinary obstruction can cause heart rate and rhythm abnormalities seen on ECG. • Identification of urinary tract infection associated with urinary stones requires culture not only of the urine but also of the bladder lining or the urolith (bladder stone) • X-rays (radiography) and ultrasound are the most commonly performed imaging techniques. • Ultrasound examination can be very useful in evaluation of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder but has limited ability to evaluate the urethra. Types of Stones: Struvite Stones The most common mineral type found in dogs is magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate. This type of urinary stone accounts for 50% of all canine urinary stones. The prevalence in cats is around 30%. Urinary tract infection is an important factor in the formation of struvite stones. The enzymatic action of some bacteria on urea increases the pH of the urine, which decreases the solubility of struvite crystals. Inflammation of the lining of the urinary bladder increases the number of organic debris in the urine providing a surface for crystallization. Calcium Oxalate Stones: Calcium oxalate stones account for about 35% of all stones, while they account for 5070% of feline stones. Stones from the kidney or ureters of cats have been diagnosed as calcium oxalate in 70% of case. Normal increases in urinary calcium concentration after feeding could be involved in stone formation. Decreased urine concentration of natural body crystal formation inhibitors and increased dietary intake of oxalate may also play a role in calcium oxalate stone formation. Urate Stones: Urate stone formation in dogs may result from two different mechanisms. One is related to the high excretion of ammonium biurate crystals in cases of portosystemic shunts. Dalmatian dogs, which have a defective hepatic membrane transport of uric acid, will also frequently form urate stones. These stones may be difficult to visualize with an x-ray but are observed easily with ultrasound. Cystine Stones: Excessive elimination of cystine in the urine is an inherited disorder of kidney tubular transport that is thought to be the primary cause of cystine stones. High concentrations of cystine in an acidic environment (low pH) can lead to stone formation. Silicate Stones: The mechanism of formation of silicate stones is unknown, but there may be a relationship between this type of stone and the dietary intake of silicates, silica acid, and magnesium silicate. The formation of these stones has been linked to the consumption of large amounts of corn gluten and soy bean hulls which are high in silicates Treatment: • Calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and silicate stones cannot be dissolved and require surgical treatment. Struvite stones can occasionally be dissolved by using a prepared diet specifically formulated for this purpose. This diet is not intended for long-term use. • The urinary obstruction must either be relieved to allow the bladder to empty, or the bladder must be drained by cystocentesis. Stones lodged in the urethra can often be dislodged and forced back into the urinary bladder by flushing the urethra with a urinary catheter, with the retrograde urohydropulsion method. • The procedure for the surgical removal of urinary stones depends on where they are located in the urinary tract. Location of Stone Procedure Urethra Urinary Bladder Urethrotomy Cystotomy • A permanent opening is made to allow any further stones to pass without causing an obstruction. This procedure is called a urethrostomy. • Laser lithotripsy is best utilized when there are urethral calculi or small numbers of cystic calculi. The procedure can be performed through the urethra, a small incision is made in the urinary bladder and the endoscope and laser fiber are passed through this port and into the bladder and upper portion of the urethra. • Stones that develop in the kidney may be removed by a nephrotomy, although most do not require surgical removal. • If urethral stone is causing a blockage to urine flow, it may be removed by a ureterotomy. TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOR Transmissible venereal tumors are a type of cancer that can be spread between dogs, particularly through coitus. TVT in dogs is both uncommon and often curable when occurs. Both male and female dogs of any age and any breed can develop a transmissible venereal tumor, typically in the genital area, however it appears more commonly in younger dogs which are not neutered that roams. Neutering is not the reason why it diminishes the chances of a dog getting these tumors but rather the fact that being neutered means they are less likely to participate in sexual activity. Other ways TVT can be transmitted: • A dog can have a nasal tumor that is diagnosed as a TVT, likely from sniffing an infected dog long enough to transplant a tumor. • Puppies that suckle from an infected mother can develop a tumor in the mouth/lips area. Symptoms and Cause: • A red tumorous mass bulging out of the surface membrane of the vagina, or on the penis. The tissue mass may break off upon manipulation. Blood drops may also be observed dripping from the vagina or penile foreskin. The dog will usually lick the affected area with frequency. • This condition is the result of direct contact with tumor cells from a diseased animal. It is transmitted through the act of sex and can also be transmitted by oral contact. Intact, free roaming dogs are at greater risk of acquiring and spreading this disease. Diagnosis: Performing a series of diagnostic procedures to determine the type, the stage if the tumor is malignant, and the course of action. The workup usually begins with a physical examination, a CBC (completely blood count), a chemistry profile, a urinalysis and checking for enlarged lymph nodes. Depending on the location of the tumor and the suspected type of cancer, chest X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound can also be performed to check for potential spread. Aspiration cytology can be used for diagnosing as other tumors can present in these same areas as a TVT, a biopsy may be used to rule out whether the mass is a mast cell tumor or a sarcoma to determine which treatment should be perfomed. Treatment: • Chemotherapy: The treatment of choice is typically a chemotherapy drug called vincristine. Weekly intravenous injections are administered on an outpatient basis, and usually fewer than 10 visits are needed. On occasion, vincristine does not provide a cure, and a different chemo drug could be prescribed • Surgery Surgery is not the first line of therapy as wide, clean margins often cannot be obtained on the penis, in the vulvar region or in the nasal cavity. There are occasional instances, however, that surgery may be beneficial. This should be discussed with the veterinarian on a case-by-case basis. • Radiation If chemotherapy is not effective or cannot be used for another reason, radiation is a good option. There are two primary types: conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CFRT) and Stereotactic Radiation (SRS/SRT). SRS/SRT therapy entails the tumor being targeted with high doses of radiation that are designed to kill or at least slow the growth rates of cancerous cells while eliminating or minimizing the damage to surrounding healthy tissue. CFRT uses lower dosages of radiation but requires a higher number of treatments (typically 16 to 18), while Stereotactic Radiation the more innovative option, typically consists of just one to three treatments. Since dogs must be anesthetized for radiation, the reduction in number of treatments with Stereotactic Radiation can be extremely beneficial. Radiation can be curative for TVT. PYOMETRA Pyometra is bacterial infection within the uterus of unspayed female dogs and cats. It occurs when the uterine lining is exposed to progesterone during the diestrus stage of the female cycle and develops changes called Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia (CEH). Bacteria from the vagina or vulva then ascend and set up an infection in the uterus. It typically talk of pyometra is being open or closed. The difference is basically whether or not the cervix is open and puss or purulent material drains from the vulva. This classification is important because closed pyometras may go unnoticed by the owner for longer period of time, present later in the course of the disease and be much more critical than open pyometras. Its either form of pyometra is life-threatening and should be treated as an emergency situation. If left untreated, bacteria and the toxins can gain access to the bloodstream, leading to endotoxemia or septicemia, shock and death. Symptoms: • Lethargy/quiet demeanour • Inappetence (not eating) • Polydipsia and polyuria (drinking and urinating more often) • Vomiting • Dehydration • Fever Pyometra can be open or closed. When the cervix is open, purulent and bloody discharge will be seen from the vulva. When closed, no discharge is seen; instead, the abdomen may become swollen or distended from the uterus enlarging with fluid. Diagnosis: Pyometra can be seen on radiographs such as x-rays and is typically confirmed with an ultrasound. The normal uterus is not seen on x-rays. Both x-rays and ultrasound show evidence of an enlarged, fluid filled uterus. Blood tests may also be performed, which typically shows an increased white cell count and increase in a protein called globulins, produced with inflammation or infection; and anaemia from chronic to long-term disease. Treatment: While in the emergency hospital, overnight stabilisation will usually be performed. This often involves giving intravenous fluids for rehydration and starting antibiotic therapy. The best treatment is to have the patient desexed. This removes the source of infection and prevents the condition from ever happening again. Antibiotics are also used to treat any remaining infection. Occasionally, particularly if the patient is to be used for breeding in the future, medical treatment will be used. This typically involves a course of antibiotics, and administration of hormones including prostaglandin, which assists by contributing to expulsion of fluid in the uterus. Medical treatment is avoided, especially with closed pyometra, as it is associated with many side effects and may increase the risk of the uterus rupturing or breaking apart in the body. Prevention: The best prevention for animals not intended to be used for breeding is desexing. This will prevent the possibility of pyometra ever occurring, and additionally prevents the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer and minimises the risk of developing mammary cancers later in life. G.I PARASITIC DISEASE Types of Intestinal Parasites: The most common parasites to inhabit a dog’s intestines include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, Flukes and Giardia. These parasites can affect a dog in a variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Roundworms: The large roundworms known as ascarids are common in dogs, especially in puppies. The most important species is Toxocara canis, not only because its larvae may migrate in people, but also because infections are common. Fatal infections may occasionally be seen in young pups. Toxascaris leonina is typically much less common and is generally seen in older dogs. In puppies, infection with Toxocara canis usually occurs by transfer into the developing fetus through the placenta. The worms can be found in the intestines of the puppies as early as 1 week after birth. Pups may also be infected while nursing. If pups less than 3 months old eat the eggs that have been in the environment for at least 4 weeks, the eggs hatch, releasing larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall. The larvae migrate through the liver, reach the lungs via the bloodstream, are coughed up, swallowed, and mature to egg-producing adults in the small intestine. Many larvae will be carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the dog’s body and remain in the tissues of the dog for years in an inactive form. If immune system suppression occurs, these larvae can become active. Normally, adult dogs have some resistance to infection. However, during the period around the birth of a litter, the immunity of the female dog to infection is partially suppressed, and the inactive larvae become active, crossing the placenta to the pups and sequestering in the mammary tissue, where they are transmitted in the colostrum and milk. Due to immune system suppression at the time of whelping, active infections may occur in the pregnant dog, with substantial numbers of eggs passed in the feces. The first indication of infection in young animals is lack of growth and loss of condition. Infected animals have a dull coat and often appear potbellied. Worms may be vomited and are often passed in the feces. In the early stages, migrating larvae may cause pneumonia, which can be associated with coughing. Diarrhea with mucus may be evident. Infection in dogs and cats is diagnosed by detection of the roundworm eggs in feces using a microscope. There are a number of compounds available for treating roundworm infections in dogs. Certain preventive programs for heartworm infection also control intestinal roundworm infections. Transmission of infection from mother to newborn can be greatly reduced by a program of antiparasitic drugs given during pregnancy and after the birth of a litter. Otherwise, the pups should be treated as early as possible. Ideally, treatment should be given 2 weeks after birth and repeated at 2 to 3 week intervals to 2 months of age, then monthly to 6 months of age. Nursing dogs should be treated on the same schedule as their pups. The veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication for this infection. Hookworms: Hookworm eggs are first passed in the feces 15 to 20 days after infection. They hatch in 1 to 3 days when deposited on warm, moist soil. Transmission may result when larvae are ingested or, in the case of A. caninum, from the colostrum or milk of infected dogs. Infections with Ancylostoma species can also result from larval invasion through the skin. Skin penetration in young pups is followed by migration of the larvae through the blood to the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed to mature in the small intestine. However, in animals more than 3 months old, larvae may remain in the body tissues in a state of arrested development. These larvae are activated after removal of adult worms from the intestine or during pregnancy, when they accumulate in the small intestine or mammary glands of the mother. Anemia in young puppies is the characteristic, and often fatal, sign of Ancylostoma caninum hookworm infection. The anemia is the result of the bloodsucking and the bleeding internal wounds that occur when these hookworms shift their internal feeding sites in the small intestine, leaving open wounds in their wake. Surviving puppies develop some immunity and show less severe signs. Nevertheless, malnourished and weakened animals may continue to grow poorly and suffer from longterm anemia. Mature, wellnourished dogs may harbor a few worms without showing signs; these dogs are often the direct or indirect source of infection for pups. Diarrhea with dark, tarry feces accompanies severe infections. Anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, and weakness develop in longterm disease. Pneumonia may occur in pups with overwhelming infections, making breathing difficult. Neither of the other common species of hookworms tends to cause anemia. However, blood fluid loss around the site of attachment in the intestine may reduce blood protein by greater than 10%. Dermatitis or inflammation of the skin (particularly in the spaces between the toes) due to larval invasion of the skin may be seen with Uncinaria stenocephala. A diagnosis can often be made from the identification of hookworm eggs upon microscopic examination of fresh feces from infected dogs. Even though infections may be severe, eggs will not typically be seen on fecal examinations of pups prior to 16 days (the length of time needed for a new infection to produce eggs). Thus, severe anemia and death from infections acquired from nursing may be seen in young pups before eggs are passed in their feces. This can occur as early as 1 or 2 weeks of age. A number of drugs and drug combinations are approved for treatment of hookworm infections. In addition, many heartworm medications also control certain species of hookworms. When anemia is severe, blood transfusion or supplemental iron may be needed, followed by a high-protein diet until the blood hemoglobin level is normal. When newborn pups die from hookworm infection, subsequent litters from the same mother should be treated weekly for hookworms for about 12 weeks beginning at 2 weeks of age. In addition, the veterinarian may prescribe daily medication for pregnant dogs from day 40 of pregnancy to day 2 after whelping. This greatly reduces the transmission of the disease to the pups through nursing.Your veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate medication program for the patient. Female dogs should be free of hookworms before breeding and kept out of contaminated areas during pregnancy. Housing and bedding for pregnant and nursing dogs must be sanitary and cleaned regularly. Consult a veterinarian about any special disinfectants to add to cleaning solutions or laundry water. For outside activities, concrete runways that can be washed at least twice a week in warm weather are best. Sunlit clay or sandy runways can be decontaminated with sodium borate. Whipworms: Adult whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) in dogs are typically found in the colon and cecum, a part of the large intestine. They attach themselves firmly to the intestinal wall. Eggs are passed in the feces and become infective in about 4 to 8 weeks. Under ideal conditions, whipworm eggs can remain dormant in the environment for several years, unless they become dried out. Once infective eggs are ingested, larvae develop in the small intestine and then move to the cecum and colon, where the adults mature. No signs are seen in light infections, but as the number of worms increases the cecum and colon can become inflamed, which can cause diarrhea and weight loss. Fresh blood might be seen in the feces in heavy infections and anemia may also result. Whipworm eggs take a month to become infective, whipworms can be controlled with good sanitation. Prompt removal and proper disposal of feces is critical. Whipworms are susceptible to drying; therefore, keeping the dog in an environment that is clean and dry reduces the risk of infection considerably. For this reason, kenneled dogs should be maintained on concrete slabs, and never on dirt Tapeworms: Several types of tapeworms properly known as cestodes may infect dogs. Adult tapeworms are segmented worms found in the intestines of dogs. They rarely cause serious disease. Most urban dogs eat prepared foods and have restricted access to natural prey. These dogs may acquire Dipylidium caninum (the common tapeworm of dogs and cats) from eating fleas. Suburban, rural, and hunting dogs have more access to various small mammals, in addition to raw meat and offal from large mammals. The possibility of exposure to a number of different tapeworm species can be expected in such dogs and typically are Taenia species or Echinococcus granulosus. Other species of tapeworms that may infect dogs include Spirometra mansonoides and Diphyllobothrium and Mesocestoides species. Signs of infection vary from a failure to digest and absorb food normally, malaise, irritability, variable appetite, and shaggy coat to colic and mild diarrhea. There may be no signs in mild cases. In rare cases, telescoping of the intestine (intussusception), emaciation, and seizures are seen. Diagnosis is based on finding tapeworm segments or eggs in the feces or stuck to the hair around the anus. Control of tapeworms requires both treatment and prevention. Even confined dogs can contract Dipylidium caninum because it can cycle through fleas. Flea control is the critical preventive step even for indoor dogs. Animals that roam freely usually become reinfected by eating dead or prey animals. Preventing such feeding will limit exposure to other tapeworm species. An accurate diagnosis will enable the veterinarian to provide effective advice on treating the infection and preventing reinfection. Flukes: Flukes also called trematodes are a class of parasites that can infect dogs and many other types of animals. They have a complex life cycle that can involve multiple intermediate hosts. Intestinal Flukes: Intestinal flukes do not cause illness unless there are large numbers of flukes. Heavy infections can cause intestinal inflammation, especially of the small intestine. Several antiparasitic medications are effective against intestinal flukes. Liver Flukes: Flukes in the bile ducts and gallbladder cause mild to severe liver disease (fibrosis). Various species of flukes have been reported from the liver of dogs in most parts of the world. Infections are generally uncommon. Mild infections may pass unnoticed. However, in severe infections, dogs may develop progressive weakness, ending in complete exhaustion and death in some cases. Giardia: Giardia is a single-celled microscopic parasite. It can live in the intestines of dogs and cause severe gastrointestinal disease. Giardia in dogs is spread by fecal contaminated water, food, or soil. Giardia in dogs is a disease that causes a lot of watery diarrhea. Beyond diarrhea, Giardia symptoms in dogs can include vomiting, excess foul-smelling gas, decreased appetite, decreased energy, and frequent urges to poop. It is also worth noting that can have Giardia present in their intestines and be subclinical, which means they are asymptomatic. Since the test for Giardia is not routinely run in healthy dogs, we’re not sure how often this is the case. The possibility of otherwise healthy dogs carrying Giardia is another reason why hygiene around animal feces is so important beyond the “ick factor” of handling poop Dogs are infected by eating food or drinking water that carries the cysts, or from ingesting infected feces directly. Ingesting feces does not always mean eating poop from the ground. Ingestion can also happen when your dog sniffs other dogs’ hind ends then licks their nose. Contaminated soil and plants are another source of infection for dogs. To check for evidence of Giardia infection, called Giardiasis a fecal test for routine intestinal parasites, a parvovirus test to eliminate this deadly yet preventable virus as a possible cause and a quick, in-house snap test or microscope evaluation. Medications to get rid of Giardia are readily available and affordable. Metronidazole, an antibiotic, is most often prescribed. Fenbendazole is used often for Giardia also. The disease may take multiple rounds of treatment because it can be hard to completely remove it from the infected home and prevent reinfection, but many times, the infection is cleared after one round. Additional medications may be prescribed depending on the severity of the infection and the infected dog’s condition. Dehydrated dogs and puppies may benefit from subcutaneous fluid therapy (fluids injected under the skin), administration of electrolytes, and injectable vitamins. If the patient is moderately to severely dehydrated, they could require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy.
