
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