Need advice please. - Page 2

I'd like to update everyone who helped, and those that PMed me. The dog was seen two days ago, and most of the tests that the members here suggested, were run.

Also run (against the vets advice) was another round of parasite tests.  About the 3rd, or 4th time he was checked for parasites.  This being the reason the vet was reluctant to run them again.

Diagnosis:  Giardia    Not just this one boy, but two of his others also, though they are not in such bad of shape as his one dog.

I've luckily never had to deal with this, but have read many posts on it.  I do know it can be difficult to eradicate.  At least my friend is thanking God (and the database members), that it is not EPI, Cancer, Thyroid, or any of the other dehabilitating diseases he was fearing.

Thank you once again.  The advice here to recheck for parasites is what pressed my friend into having it done again.

Becky

Here is yet another example of the train about to run off the track. If ever there was a good example of why I say CHECK AND RECHECK for parasites when digestive and loose stools appear, this is it. It is NO SHAME that giardia, especially, is often missed. Why a vet would not suggest this is simply because so many, including people who post on this forum frequently, are always complaining about vets doing things that are unnecessary and over and over. In the case of parasitic infection, it is imperative that tests be repeated because it is easy to miss the causative organisms. My vets just missed such an infection a few months ago. Tell your friend, if he/she does not already know, that It is extremely difficult to eradicate giardia spores and if the environment is contaminated, the dog will simply be re-infected over and over and over. If he needs help, have him email me privately.

It should be noted that the initial description of the stool in the first post was nothing like what is seen in EPI. It should also be noted that the TLI supposedly was borderline low. This is more fuel for my own opinion (based on experience) that indeed malabsorption problems resulting in low TLIs can be from other that certain EPI. This is also why some dogs are diagnosed with EPI and after some treatment, including metronidazole or other medication in addition to enzyme supplementation, suddenly get better. However, it is NOT correct to suggest that the low TLI isuggests a pancreatic infection. Pancreatitis is very different than EPI.

In any case, be sure to suggest your friend read up or contact the vet on how to disinfect areas where this dog has been so it does not reinfect. The problem with giardia is that it does also appear to do damage to the intestinal tract if prolonged or serious infections occur. Therefore, the dog may have some trouble regaining weight. I would suggest that all the things already mentioned to add calories and fat to the diet, as well as adding some Prozyme to the dogs' diet are not a bad idea.

I am glad he seems to have gotten it sorted out. Let us hope that this really was the primary cause of all this. Loss of weight, inability to gain weight is ALWAYS a check for parasites over and over situation.

Good luck and glad it helped.

++why I say CHECK AND RECHECK for parasites when digestive and loose stools appear, this is it. It is NO SHAME that giardia, especially, is often missed+++

And I have been told that even rechecking is often non conclusive.. doesnt show up on test but that is whats up... and with giardia to be sure the treatment is strong enough and a long enough duration as it ? encysts can hide act like its gone and voom if the treatment is stopped too early iiiiitsss back. 

Anyhow good to hear a diagnosis and treatment has been set up.


Debi
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I HATE GIARDIA AND COCCIDOSIS............EVIL LITTLE BUGGERS.

Wonderful examples of how a parasite has developed/evolved to survive, though.

Yup, when I first read the post, my first thoughts was Coccidia. Close 2nd is Giardia. On an already stressed system, they can really cause problems untreated. Watery poo, lost weight, lethary are all clinical signs. It's treatable, but the treatment will only work as long as its given-the source of where the dogs got exposed to such also needs cleaning. Your bigger issue now will be preventing reinfestation.

Best wishes for a full recovery for the dog.