Feline Giardiasis

Giardiasis occurs when a human or animal is infected with the protozoa parasite, Giardia. Cats infected with Giardiasis do not necessarily become sick. However, some cats, especially those who are immune suppressed or debilitated may become ill. That's why it's important for feline owners to understand the condition.

Giardia are single-cell organisms that may enter a feline's body when he or she ingests the cyst form of this parasite. This may happen when cats share litter boxes, such as in catteries, shelters, or multiple-cat homes.

Once inside the small intestine, the cyst opens and a trophozoite, an active form of the parasite, is released, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. The trophozoites have hair-like structures known as flagella, which allow them to travel within the cat's intestine. The active form of the parasite attaches to the intestine wall and begins to reproduce by dividing. After an unknown amount of divisions, the trophozoites form walls around themselves and leave the body through the feline's feces. Once the Giardia are passed out of the cat's body through its feces, the parasite can contaminate water or the environment and can infect other animals or humans. According to About, Giardia are very resilient as they can withstand freezing and the chlorination of water. In fact, they can live for months if they are not exposed to sunlight or dried out.

It is important to note that not all cats who are infected with Giardiasis will become sick from it. In fact, according to About, a cat can have the condition for years and pass it on to other cats without showing any clinical signs of being infected.

Some cats with Giardiasis do become sick from it, though. The most common clinical sign of this condition is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be chronic or may have a sudden onset. Additionally, the diarrhea may be accompanied by mucous or flatulence or it may be bloody in nature. Vomiting and weight loss may also be seen in felines with this condition as well, according to Cat World.

If your pet is exhibiting these signs, take him or her to the vet for a proper diagnosis as the clinical signs of Giardiasis can be indicative of a wide range of conditions. Veterinarians can diagnose Giardiasis by examining your kitty's fecal samples under a microscope in order to look for cysts. A single stool sample may not be enough to diagnose this condition, however, because cats do not constantly pass cysts through their fecal matter. Thus, several stool samples may be necessary to make a diagnosis of Giardiasis.

Once your veterinarian confirms your kitty has this parasite, he or she can receive treatment for it. Common medications used to treat Giardiasis include metronidazole (Flagyl), Fenbendazole, and Furazolidone. According to About, cats are more resistant to treatment for this parasite than dogs are, so several rounds of one medication or a switch to a different medication may be necessary to get rid of the parasite in felines.

If your furry friend exhibits any of the signs of Giardiasis, please take him or her to a veterinarian who can make a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, your cat has a good chance of making a full recovery from the condition.

Sources:

Doctors Foster and Smith: Giardia Cati in Cats:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=738

Cat World: Giardia Cats - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Giardiasis:
http://www.cat-world.com.au/giardia-in-cats

About: Giardia:
http://cats.about.com/od/gastrictractdiseases/p/giardia.htm