Kitten, a 5-month-old Persian cat was brought to the clinic with no appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Upon assessment of the patient’s symptoms, the vet recommended fecalysis and antigen tests for viral infections in cat.
Giardia cysts were found in Kitten’s fecal sample through microscopy and was positive for Giardiasis from the antigen test.
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection with the protozoan parasite Giardia spp. Giardia infection occurs worldwide in most domestic and wild mammals and many birds.
Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, either by direct contact with an infected host that is contaminated with infective cysts or through a contaminated environment.
Giardia infection in cats, or, more typically, dogs may be present without clinical signs and diagnosed only during routine fecal checks.
It may also be associated with chronic diarrhea or steatorrhea, which can be continual or intermittent, particularly in puppies and kittens. Weight loss may also occur.
In clinical giardiasis in cats and dogs, feces usually are soft, poorly formed, pale, malodorous, contain mucus, and appear fatty. Watery diarrhea is unusual, and blood is usually not present in feces. Vomiting is unusual but may occur.
Different treatments with Anti-Protozoans are often tried and sometimes continuing treatment for the clinical signs, Supportive or supplementary therapies such as probiotic treatment and fluid therapy have been suggested.
Giardia cysts are a source of infection and reinfection for animals, particularly those in crowded conditions (eg, kennels and catteries). Thus, control should include removing feces as soon as possible (at least daily), disposing of potentially infectious waste, disinfection of the kennels and catteries and routine fecal check ups for your dogs and cats.
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