What is Protozoan Diarrhea?
Protozoan diarrhea is actually a group of diseases caused by a group of small, one-cell organisms, which include Giardia, Trichomonas and Coccidia.
These organisms may normally be found in the intestine in small numbers, but they multiply rapidly in an intestinal tract already irritated by other problems, such as worms, diet changes, viral infections or other stress.
      These organisms are only visible under a microscope and since they are a different problem from worms, de-worming medications will not get rid of them.
These tiny organisms are passed from one animal to another by contact with the feces of infected animals. It is possible for a pet to get the disease by licking their paws or eating from contaminated food dishes present in areas where the disease has existed in other animals. These diseases are a special problem in young pets, especially those in pet shops, kennels or other places where large numbers of young animals are together.
Symptoms of these diseases include a watery diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite. Your pet may also vomit. These diseases are much more severe in young and weakened animals and they can make the animal more susceptible to other diseases. Once your veterinarian has made the diagnosis through a microscopic examination of your pets feces, you will need to follow these guidelines:
-Give all medications as directed. Make sure that you give your pet the full dose even if your pet appears to be feeling better.
-Your veterinarian may have you give your pet a vitamin supplement as well during treatment.
-Keep your pet's bedding and cage area clean, dry and free of bowel movements.
-Feed your pet a high quality, balanced diet and be sure your pet eats.
-Encourage your pet to drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration and since your pet's body is 80% water, it is very important that your pet drinks plenty of fluids.
-Keep un-infected pets away from the infected pet to prevent the spread of the disease. It is not, however, contagious to humans.
-Notify your veterinarian if you are unable to follow any of the above instructions or if your pet's condition seems to worsen or does not improve within two days.
-Bring in another stool sample as directed by your veterinarian after you have finished the treatment.