South Eastern
Colorado Animal
Rescue Effort,
Inc.to build and nuture the human/animal bond
|
South Eastern
Colorado Animal
Rescue Effort,
Inc. to build and nuture the human/animal bond |
| Affiliate Programs Support our efforts by clicking through the links below. 
LinkShare Referral Program |
Giardia and Coccidiosis... SECARE does not claim to have any veterinary training, and any information and/or advice should be discussed with your vet. Giardia and Coccidiosis are protozoans that live in the dog's intestinal tract. Much like worms, they are a normal part of your dog's life. A normal, healthy dog can keep them under control with a properly functioning immune system. It's when things are normal that these bugs take advantage. They are opportunists and can be nasty to a puppy or unhealthy adult dog. Giardia and Coccidiosis are everywhere. It is present on the ground and in the water. Cocci is most prevalent where birds are present. ***Both can infect other species and humans*** Giardia can be carried in a dog showing no symptoms or can go all the way to life-threatening infections. A serious infection can cuase an inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients for the animal. It can be shed through the feces to infect another dog. Symptoms of Giardia are a ligh-colored, soft and greasy stool. The animal may be inactive and underweight. There can also be mucus in the stool indicating the large intestine is irritated. Diagnosis through test is difficult and is usually made through clinical signs. Treatment involves a couple of options. Either Motronidazole (Flagyl) or Panacur (Safeguard a/k/a Fendendazole). Treatment options depend on the dog's overall health and age. Coccidiosis also infects the intestinal tract and presents with similar symptoms, however the stool can be wateryand may have small amounts of blood in it. Treatment is usually a sulfa-based drug. Either Albon or Tribrissen. It takes longer to get Cocci under control because of how the medications work. Both Giardia and Coccidiosis will seem to present most often when animals are under stress. Anything new in an animal's life is cause for stress: new home, new food, new playmates... These are easily treated if caught on time. Left to go for too long and they can become very serious. |
Links... Home Mission Statement Available for Adoption Donations Contact & Directions Adoption Information Pet Care Successful Adoptions Friends of SECARE Partnerships Programs Newsletters and Blog Linkbacks & Logos |