Case Study: GIARDIASIS by Dr. Ammarah Shah

Client name: Max

Breed: Poodle

Colour: Biscuit

Sex: Male

Age: 4 months

HISTORY:

• Max was 8 weeks old when he came in for a general check up
• He had all his vaccines, including kennel cough and his first shot of DHPPiL
• His appetite has been low since he was brought home.
• Parent showed a picture of Max’s stools which were not formed (solid) , had mucus and blood
• The puppy had passed loose stools three times that day
• Puppy called for checkup

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION :

• On physical examination Max was bright, alert and reactive
• Temperature: Normal
• Weight: 0.90kgs
• On Auscultation no abnormalities were detected in the heart and lungs
• On palpation lymph nodes were normal
• No pain on abdominal palpation but gas was felt and observed
• While taking temperature the stool was observed around the anal area
• Parvo Virus and Giardia test were suggested to the pet parent

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS :

• IDEXX Snap Giardia test :Test conducted on Max the poodle with a POSITIVE (+) result
• IDEXX Snap Canine Parvo Virus test : Test conducted on Max the poodle with a NEGATIVE (-) result

TREATMENT :

• Antibiotic administered : Metronidazole was given for seven (7) days based on Max’s weight
• Pro-biotic administered: Prokolin was given for 7 days
• Prescribed food recommended: Trovet Gastro Intestenal wet food was advised to be added to the existing food to aid digestion
• Anal area was shaved. Hexiscrub was given to clean after he passes stool

PRECAUTIONS :

• As Giardia is a zoonotic disease the owner was asked to use gloves while cleaning up after Max passes stool
• Since Max was not toilet trained, he was advised to do his business on puppy pads, first step in getting him potty trained
• The pet parent was advised not to take Max outside for walks as his booster vaccinations were not yet completed
• A House disinfectant (Safe4) was prescribed to clean the areas Max was in contact with
• The parent was asked to come for a follow up in 7 days.

FOLLOW UP:

• Upon examination Max was bright, alert and reactive
• Stools were solid and no blood was seen
• Upon conversing witht he pet parent, they stated Max is more active and eating well now
• Idexx Giardia test was repeated: Test conducted on Max the poodle with a NEGATIVE (-) result
• Pet parent was advised to continue with the Trovet Gastro Intestinal food and pro-biotics to strengthen the normal intestinal micro-flora
• Multi vitamins were added to the diet