Cat Ailments A to Z - Giardia

 

Giant Microbes Stuffie Giardia!

Giardia Intestinalis is a common, microscopic (intestinal) parasite that commonly affects humans, dogs, and cats.
Giardia prevents proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate intestinal lining, and interferes with digestion.

Signs

• Diarrhea 
• Gas
• Vomiting 
• Abdominal Discomfort 
• Abnormal Feces

Stool is Pale
Appears Greasy
Has Bad Odor

•  Weight Loss ( without loss of appetite )

 * It is also possible for a Cat to be infected and show no signs at all.


How is Giardia Transmitted 
 A cat becomes infected by eating the cyst form of the parasite. Which has been shed from another animal
 The cysts can live several weeks to months outside the host in wet, cold environments.
Such as:

• Grass
• Fields 
• Your Lawn or any Lawn
• Parks
• Kennels

Though I did not read this - I suspect that humans can track this into an environment such as a household by stepping in an animals waste.

Once a Cat ingests a cyst:

• In the small intestine it attaches itself to the intestinal wall then reproduce by dividing in two.
• How many times they reproduce is not really known
• At some stage, in an unknown location, this form develops a wall around itself (encysts) 
• It then is passed in the cats feces. 
• The Giardia in the feces can contaminate the environment and water and infect other animals and people.

 *It may be wise to know that they are not sure if this can be transmitted from Cats to Humans.
Considering that there are not many things that can be transfered.. and they are not saying no..
Assume it can be transmitted to humans

Testing for Giardia

Testing for this includes a physical exam to rule out other issues
A fecal test to locate the cysts is done - but they are very small and not passed with every stool
Giardia is a jerk
Apparently under the microscope Giardia is kinda cartoon looking

I agree.. if it wasn't such a jerk I would think it were cute!



Treatment 
There are a few medications mentioned - each seemingly with a few negative drawbacks.

Prevention
Check out this site, it explains how you can prevent and clean to eliminate Giardia
It also gives an explanation of the medications

 You can also read more on the CDC website