This is a placeholder text
Group text
by Sunsilver on 02 May 2009 - 12:05
Ranger still has the runs, despite me following the vet's recommendations, which were to fast him for 24 h. then start him on chicken and rice. The diarrhea has a really foul smell to it. Other than that, he seems to be normal, and is definitely quite hungry.
Prior to the vet appointment, he did have one batch of diarrhea with quite a lot of blood in it. This led the vet to do a snap test for parvo, which was negative. He then told me not to worry about the blood, as it's quite common when the bowels are irritated.
Awhile before this all started, he and Star ran out on the ice of a nearby beaver pond, and wound up going for their first swim of the season when the ice gave way. It was rotten enough that they had no trouble getting back to dry land, but I'm wondering if Ranger might have picked up giardia from the water. Can a dog have diarrhea from this, and not show other symptoms? The vet did do a fecal on him while we were there, but IIRC, the usual test they use for parasites often doesn't show up giardia.
Prior to the vet appointment, he did have one batch of diarrhea with quite a lot of blood in it. This led the vet to do a snap test for parvo, which was negative. He then told me not to worry about the blood, as it's quite common when the bowels are irritated.
Awhile before this all started, he and Star ran out on the ice of a nearby beaver pond, and wound up going for their first swim of the season when the ice gave way. It was rotten enough that they had no trouble getting back to dry land, but I'm wondering if Ranger might have picked up giardia from the water. Can a dog have diarrhea from this, and not show other symptoms? The vet did do a fecal on him while we were there, but IIRC, the usual test they use for parasites often doesn't show up giardia.
by sjd on 02 May 2009 - 13:05
If you want to know for certain, do the lab test. There are two types of medication to treat giardia-neither is cheap and they must be treated for five days in a row. The liquid is easier than the powder to use. The stools may be bloody and have a large portion of slime to them, and also liquid drive-very runny. You will need to disinfect your runs and other areas. Good luck!
by Sunsilver on 02 May 2009 - 14:05
[sigh!] I don't have runs, just a 100 foot square area of my backyard fenced off as a place for the dogs! They're not spending much time there right now, as I'm trying to encourage the grass to start growing. The last of the snow just melted there last week.
Called the vet clinic. Even though they're not usually open on Saturdays in this one horse town, the vet wants to see him, and put him on antibiotics. Don't know if he's going to treat specifically for Giardia, though I did mention that as a possibility. I did do a search on it, and the symptoms do match.
[vent] I'm on antibiotics myself, with the worst cold/bronchitis I've had in years. I can hardly eat for coughing, and my ribs and stomach are sore. Nose and eyes are streaming as well.
AND I'M MISSING THE SERVICE DOG SEMINAR I WANTED TO GO TO SO BADLY!!
I still haven't found out if they'll give me a refund on my registration.
Okay, just had to whine a bit.... [/vent]
Called the vet clinic. Even though they're not usually open on Saturdays in this one horse town, the vet wants to see him, and put him on antibiotics. Don't know if he's going to treat specifically for Giardia, though I did mention that as a possibility. I did do a search on it, and the symptoms do match.
[vent] I'm on antibiotics myself, with the worst cold/bronchitis I've had in years. I can hardly eat for coughing, and my ribs and stomach are sore. Nose and eyes are streaming as well.
AND I'M MISSING THE SERVICE DOG SEMINAR I WANTED TO GO TO SO BADLY!!
I still haven't found out if they'll give me a refund on my registration.
Okay, just had to whine a bit.... [/vent]
by Baldursmom on 02 May 2009 - 14:05
Could also be coccidia, treated with albon.
Here is the best site I have found for info on treating all parasites:
http://www.capcvet.org/?p=Guidelines_AddendumA&h=0&s=0
Fior the Giardia, I used a combo thereapy of panacur (OTC Safe Guard, avalable at any Petsmart) for five days then metronidazole (15 gm per pound, bought Fish Zole from Thomas Vet) for five days.
The panacur is not cheap any way I found to purchase it, unless you can get a vet to perscribe the bulk and have a way to portion it out metrically (some mail scales can do this). The Fish Zole does lower the cost of the second drug. I have several references that swear it is the same drug.
Biggest issue with both of these organisms is that they can form cysts in the intestine and lay in wait to re-activate. I have treated all 8 of my dogs twice now to the tune of about $550.
My plan is to start a regime of control with the panancur every quarter and albon. There is a recipe on a beagle breeders web site on how to mix a solution of the albon with a nutrient supplement. The bulk cost is around $200. But there is enough solution to treat a small number of dogs several times over.
www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_giardiasis.htm
you will have to poke around for the coccidia treatment page.
Here is the best site I have found for info on treating all parasites:
http://www.capcvet.org/?p=Guidelines_AddendumA&h=0&s=0
Fior the Giardia, I used a combo thereapy of panacur (OTC Safe Guard, avalable at any Petsmart) for five days then metronidazole (15 gm per pound, bought Fish Zole from Thomas Vet) for five days.
The panacur is not cheap any way I found to purchase it, unless you can get a vet to perscribe the bulk and have a way to portion it out metrically (some mail scales can do this). The Fish Zole does lower the cost of the second drug. I have several references that swear it is the same drug.
Biggest issue with both of these organisms is that they can form cysts in the intestine and lay in wait to re-activate. I have treated all 8 of my dogs twice now to the tune of about $550.
My plan is to start a regime of control with the panancur every quarter and albon. There is a recipe on a beagle breeders web site on how to mix a solution of the albon with a nutrient supplement. The bulk cost is around $200. But there is enough solution to treat a small number of dogs several times over.
www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_giardiasis.htm
you will have to poke around for the coccidia treatment page.
by Kalibeck on 02 May 2009 - 15:05
There have been a lot of complaints of watery/ persistant diarrhea this spring, wonder what's up? I can't really offer more than you're doing, except to wish you luck, & hope you feel better soon. jh
by jayne241 on 02 May 2009 - 15:05
My girl has diarrhea right now also. Started Thursday night, and just awhile ago (Saturday around 6 am) she had another, after going all night without an incident.
Yes we are having spring thaw here as well, things that were covered with snow are now uncovered. Lots of deer poop is the most obvious thing around here.
Yes we are having spring thaw here as well, things that were covered with snow are now uncovered. Lots of deer poop is the most obvious thing around here.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top