Diagnosis and treatment of Giardiasis in Canine

Twenty dogs aged from 8 to 18 months were reported to hospital with the history of foul smelling mucoid faeces, nausea/vomiting and weight loss. Faecal examination revealed preponderance of trophozoites or cysts indistinguishable from those of Giardia duodenalis. All the dogs responded well to a suspension of Tinidazole and Ciprofloxacin (Griptol, Intas @ 7.5 mg Tinidazole/kg PO BID for 07 days). Supportive therapy was instituted with 5 % DNS/RL (60 –80 ml/kg b.wt. iv for 2-3 days in dehydrated anorectic dogs); Inj. Ranitidine (@0.2 mg/kg b.wt. im) and metoclopramide (@0.5 mg/kg b.wt. PO, im/iv in dogs with vomiting) and Tribivet (A brand of Intas containing Vitamin B Complex.) This report describes diagnosis and successful treatment of giardiasis in 20 dogs.