Giardia infection in cats

Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2010 Aug;32(8):E4.

Abstract

The protozoon Giardia duodenalis is a common gastrointestinal parasite of cats. While most Giardia-infected cats are asymptomatic, acute small bowel diarrhea, occasionally with concomitant weight loss, may occur. Giardia poses a diagnostic challenge, but newer tests, including a commercially available ELISA kit, have improved clinicians' ability to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Several treatment options have been reported, and although none has been shown to be universally effective, most cases can be successfully managed with drug therapy, supportive measures, and environmental control. Current recommendations suggest that combination therapy with fenbendazole and metronidazole may be the safest, most effective treatment option for symptomatic cats.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Giardia lamblia / growth & development*
  • Giardiasis / diagnosis
  • Giardiasis / drug therapy
  • Giardiasis / parasitology
  • Giardiasis / veterinary*
  • Life Cycle Stages
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents