Giardiasis In Cats Symptoms And Treatment

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Giardiasis In Cats Symptoms And Treatment
Giardiasis In Cats Symptoms And Treatment

Video: Giardiasis In Cats Symptoms And Treatment

Video: Giardiasis In Cats Symptoms And Treatment
Video: Giardia in the dog and cat. Dr. Dan- what giardia is, giardia symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment 2024, March
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Giardiasis in cats is caused by the simplest unicellular microorganisms - lamblia. These parasites can be found in the body not only in animals, but also in humans.

Content

  • 1 What is a microorganism
  • 2 Signs of illness
  • 3 Therapeutic actions
  • 4 Prevention of infection

What is a microorganism

Giardia are pear-shaped. They are attached to the mucous surface and intestinal villi using suction cups located on the lower part of the body. They feed on the digested particles of their host's food. There is an active stage - trophozoites. This form, in which the parasite resides, is able to feed, move and reproduce by division.

There is another form of existence of lamblia - cysts. Under unfavorable conditions, trophozoites are covered with a protective membrane, a cyst. This form can withstand cold and heat, does not die from ultraviolet radiation and chlorine. Cysts can live in soil for several months. Trophozoites pass into a cyst if they enter the large intestine from the small intestine.

There are several ways of getting lamblia into the cat's body:

  • eating contaminated foods;
  • drinking raw water (especially if the cat is walking outside - you can easily get infected through water from puddles or reservoirs);
  • licking or washing after the tray;
  • through toys intended for the animal;
  • the kitten can become infected from its mother during childbirth or during grooming;
  • upon contact with a sick animal.
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Signs of illness

Attaching to the intestinal walls, the parasites begin to feed and multiply by fission. Irritation of the mucous surface occurs, intestinal peristalsis is disturbed. A large accumulation of protozoan parasites prevents the absorption of nutrients (in particular fats) necessary for the development of the body.

At the same time, as a result of the vital activity of the simplest microorganisms, toxic substances are released. In cats, the symptoms of lamblia in this case are manifested in the form of allergic reactions, poisoning of the animal's body occurs.

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As a result of the loss of vitamins and minerals, vitamin deficiency and anemia develop. The cat looks lethargic, exhausted, does not play, sleeps a lot. Dysbacteriosis leads to stool disorder. Loose stools are periodically replaced by constipation.

  • alternating diarrhea with constipation (mucus, blood can be seen in the feces);
  • weight loss, poor appetite;
  • pain, rumbling, increased gas formation in the abdomen;
  • wool loses its smoothness, shine, falls out;
  • vomiting;
  • allergic manifestations in the form of dermatitis, cough;
  • weakness, apathy.

An enzyme immunoassay can detect antibodies produced by the body in response to foreign microorganisms. The most effective is the method of polymer chain reaction (PCR).

Therapeutic actions

If other parasitic diseases are treated with anthelmintic drugs, then in the case of giardiasis, antibiotics cannot be dispensed with

  1. Metronidazole. The drug is an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of action. Contraindications to its use are pregnancy, lactation, liver disease. Cats are usually given the required dose once every 12 hours. For 1 kg of weight, you need to take 10 ml of suspension.
  2. Tinidazole. The drug belongs to a group of antibiotics that are active against many parasites. The dosage is 1/4 tablet once a day for 5-10 days.
  3. Furazolidone. The medicine has an extensive antimicrobial effect. The required dosage is mixed with the feed.
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  1. Dirofen. Combined anthelmintic agent. The tablet is given once before the morning feed. The dosage is equal to one tablet per 5 kg of body weight. You do not need to follow a diet or take laxatives beforehand.
  2. Alben. The anthelmintic drug is given with food in the morning. The dose is equal to one tablet per 5 kg of body weight. If the cat weighs less than 2.5 kg, then the tablet is diluted in water, and the dosage is 1 ml per 0.5 kg of body weight. Do not give to kittens under three weeks old, pregnant and lactating.
  3. Ornidazole. The medicine has antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects. Assign intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Do not use if the cat has severe kidney or liver disease.
  4. Fenbendazole. The drug has the lowest toxicity, it is allowed to treat parasites during pregnancy and lactation of kittens. The dosage is 50 mg per 1 kg of body weight of the animal once a day for five days.
  5. Nemozole. The drug should be given with caution to cats that have liver problems. The course of treatment lasts no more than two days. The dosage is 25 mg per kg. If necessary, the course can be repeated after a week.

During the period of treatment and recovery, you must adhere to a diet. You can not give the cat fatty foods, dairy products, eggs, dry food is prohibited. Chicken broths with vegetables are welcome.

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If not treated in time, the body experiences a lack of vital nutrients. Hemoglobin decreases, anemia develops. Calcium decreases, rickets develops. Inflammatory diseases of the eyes and ears (conjunctivitis, otitis media) can be observed. Symptoms of gallstone disease begin to disturb.

Prevention of infection

Good hygiene and nutritional practices can help prevent illness or reduce the risk of complications.

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  1. It is better not to let a domestic cat out into the street.
  2. For feeding, you need to take a special place. Food is put only in a bowl (you cannot throw it on the floor), which should be periodically doused with boiling water.
  3. Preventive vaccinations should not be ignored.
  4. After going to the toilet, the cat must be washed so that no cysts remain on the coat.
  5. The tray must be kept clean. Street sand cannot be used as filler.
  6. If there are other pets in the house, their isolation is required.

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