Giardiasis is considered to be the most common disease infecting humans and animals that is transmitted through contaminated water. It is classified as a zoonosis, since it is known that the same subspecies causes illness in humans and animals. The disease is caused by a protozoon that attacks the intestines of humans and many animal species. Lately, it has been recognized as a very common agent of disease in cats and dogs. Luckily, despite being very common in dogs, the disease is not accompanied by major difficulties. The illness mostly appears in animals with compromised immune systems, puppies and kittens (very common in commercial breeding) or those who have ingested a large amount of so-called cysts. The disease is transmitted by cysts (resilient forms of pathogens) that are found in dog feces. The major clinical indicator is diarrhoea. If the disease is promptly recognized, it can be successfully treated.
A large number of pathogens cause diarrhoea
Damage to the lining of the intestine by the multiplied pathogen results in diarrhoea that has a typical light colour and unpleasant smell (because of the large amounts of undigested fats). Due to frequent diarrhoea, the animal loses weight.
Giardia – en face
Giardia is a protozoan capable of surviving in the organism of a human, dog, cat or other animal and reproducing quickly in the intestine, thus causing damage. After entering the body, a vital protozoan – giardia will emerge from the cysts and remain on the surface of intestinal cells, multiply, and after a while, encyst (become resistant to unfavourable living conditions). The protozoan that has encysted in such a way is capable of surviving and invading (infecting) other animals.
How to identify the disease?
In order to identify giardiasis, it is necessary to collect a watery stool sample. Cysts are detected and subsequently recognized through a specific counting process. The disease can be successfully treated.
After the pathogen is objectively proven, the disease is treated using reliable antiparasitic medication, which cannot be used in the case of pregnant animals.
How to prevent the disease?
Giardiasis can be prevented by maintaining a good hygienic standard through regular disinfection.
Translation by: Mojca Čađo