What is Giardia?
Giardia is a protozoan parasite found in the intestinal tract of humans and most domestic animals throughout the world. It causes diarrhea and sometimes mild weight loss. Animals can pick it up almost anywhere. It is the most common intestinal parasite in people living in North America. Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Fenbendazole (Panacur) are the two drugs used most commonly to treat giardia. Other drugs include Quinacrine (not effective in cats), Albendazole and Ipronidazole (case study only) and Tinidazole (not available in the United States). There is a vaccine for giardia which has been shown to decrease shedding of giardia cysts from infected animals. Environmental contamination is the most common reason for reinfestation of an animal. it is also very easy for an animal to reinfect itself just by grooming itself within 5 days of stopping therapy for giardia.
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