Dog Diagnosed With Giardia - But Not Sure I Agree

by Luke
(New York, NY, USA)

Reader Question: I Don't Agree With My Dog's Diagnosis Of Giardia

We rescued this puppy about 3 weeks ago - took her to vet right away. Her stools were loose and she was checked for parasites - nothing came back. Now 3 weeks later, she was due for her booster Parvo shot and before we took her to the vet, she had 3 stools, the first and last was normal, but the one in between appeared to have a bloody mucous in it.

Needless to say, I had to spend a pretty penny that I was not prepared for. They did another parasite test and also a Giardia test. They gave her Metronidazole, Ponazuril and Drontal. In most everything I've read blood is not commonly present. Was she misdiagnosed? He did mention another possible parasite, but it isn't listed on our receipt.

Vet Gives Her Input On Reader's Dog Giardia Diagnosis

Hello,

You are right that the diarrhea that is associated with Giardia typically does not contain blood, but that doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of this infection, particularly if more than one problem is present (which is certainly possibly, particularly in a young puppy). I suspect the other parasite that was mentioned was coccidia (also called Isospora) – that would be what the Ponazuril was prescribed for. Coccidia are a common cause of bloody diarrhea in puppies.

If your puppy came from a less than ideal situation (e.g., crowded and unsanitary conditions) a dual infection with coccidia and Giardia would not be out of the question.

My question is, “how is the puppy doing after treatment?” If her stools are completely back to normal, all is well. If not, certainly let your veterinarian know.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM