2. Understanding Maren von der Heyde National Breed Supervisor November 2011 Giardia

3. Giardia is a protozoan parasite that colonizes and leaches nutrients from the small intestine of dogs. Giardia is expelled in faeces. It is found in water or ground that has been contaminated by faeces.

4. Giardia has two distinct forms: 1. Dormant Cyst: Cysts are expelled in faeces and are extremely hardy. They can survive for months outside the body and are able to survive chlorine treatment. Cysts are ingested by dogs triggering Giardia infection

5. 2. Active Trophozoite: Once ingested, Cysts disintegrate & release active swimming trophozoites. These reproduce and absorb nutrients from the small intestine. Trophozoites are soft & fragile & thus unable to survive outside the body

6. Under the microscope

7. Common infection routes: Eating faeces directly Drinking water contaminated by faeces Eating anything that has been in contact with faeces Giardia is transmitted by a dog ingesting a GIARDIA CYST. The incubation period is on average 1 week Current research suggests that bird & other non-canine droppings are not likely to infect dogs with Giardia Despite this Dogs should be prevented from ingesting any faeces

8. Dogs can be carriers of Giardia but show no symptoms of infection Carriers do however expel Giardia cysts in their faeces. These cysts can go on to infect other dogs especially puppies

9. Many adult dogs are Giardia carriers. Their immune systems keep the parasite population under control. The parasite and dog eventually live together IN HARMONY

10. Many adult dogs are Giardia carriers When under stress or if immuno- compromised Giardia carriers may develop symptoms

11. Giardia does not migrate beyond the digestive tract. Giardia is not transmitted through the skin or through mother’s milk.

12. Giardia interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food, causing the infection Giardiosis

13. Diarrhea : light coloured stools, blood is not typically present Vomiting In chronic cases, weight loss, despite good appetite Fatigue & lethargy Untreated chronic infection may cause permanent damage to the small intestine

14. A magnified look a t Giardia trophozoites in the small intestine

15. Giardiosis is more common and serious in puppies, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed Puppies showing symptoms of Giardiasis should seek Veterinary advice ASAP!

16. Giardia cysts ingested Cysts move down the oesophagus into the stomach In the acidic environment of stomach cysts release two active Trophozoites Trophozoites move into the small intestine where they multiply and feed Trophozoites move into the large intestine where they transform into cysts which are expelled in faeces

18. A faecal exam is necessary to diagnose Giardia. Different faecal examination methods can be used. It should be noted that Giardia cysts are shed intermittently & thus multiple faecal examinations are necessary for a conclusive result Discuss the best diagnostic methodology with your Veterinarian!

19. This information is purely educational & does not constitute medical advice. Before adopting ANY medical treatments please consult with your Veterinarian!

20. Homeopathy A homeopathic supplement to boost immunity and combat Giardia infection is available From weaning age (normally 3 weeks) start adding Giardia granules to the puppies food. Consult with a Homeopathic Vet for more information on this supplement

21. Deworm at 3 weeks with Panacur® (1ml/kg of bodyweight) for 5 days consecutive days Deworm at 5 weeks with Panacur® for 5 days consecutive days Deworm at 7 weeks with Drontal® on two consecutive days

24. Dog food and water bowls should not be placed in a position where they can be unintentionally contaminated with fecal material. Elevating bowls and placing bowls out of high traffic areas helps minimise the risk of contamination

26. Bath her again immediately after whelping and then every second day until the bleeding stops Bath the dam 3 days before whelping with F10 Shampoo

27. Whelping box must be disinfected before and after whelping. The whelping box should be throughly cleaned and disinfected regular intervals post whelping

28. Wash puppies regularly (every morning if possible) before feeding with F10 shampoo, especially the bums and paws After feeding, clean puppy paws again in case they stepped into their food bowl