The following is from a recent thread:
QUOTE=lvoss Giardia is often not found in the stool even though the dog has it. Usually on and off diarreah points to giardia. Most vets like to treat with Flagyl but IME it usually just recurs in a month after Flagyl. I have had the best results with Panacur. Nicky had these symptoms as a youngster until I found out about Panacur and now I rarely have an issue and when treated with Panacur it clears right up.
My problem:
Zuki is also having problems with diarreah. My vet put her on Flagyl around the 8th of October. I also started putting FortiFlora in her food at that time. She took the last pill on the 13th. Life was good until the 17th when the diarreah returned. I took in a stool sample on the 19th and it was tested for giardia. Test came back negative. Vet is diagnosiing colitis and put her back on Flagyl. I was also told to try and increase fiber so I bought some Metamucil last night to start adding to her diet.
Just a little background on Zuki before questions are asked about her diet, etc. She is 15.5 yrs. old and since July has been slowing down. I have had her for 8 years and she has always been a picky eater. She was on Science Diet L/D for many years because she has high liver values. In July she would no longer eat the food and she is was on an "eat whatever you can diet." She had an ultrasound in August because I was curious if maybe she had cancer (she had thyroid cancer 2 years ago and I thought maybe the cancer had returned and that was why she wasn't eating). The utlrasound did not reveal cancer. It just showed that her liver and kidneys looked like "old dog liver and kidneys" and there was a small spot on her bladder that may or may not be cancer. Her eating has leveled out a bit that the regular diet is a jar of ham baby food and then either a turkey burger or (lean) hamburger (twice a day). I try and sneak in some pumpkin, pasta or mashed potatoes and cheese in the burger patty. Too many offending items will only make her "mad" and not eat.
My question:
I'm trying to anticipate what may happen next, which I'm sure is impossible. But…after she finishes the Flagyl again and IF the diarreah returns, do you think I should request to try a round of Panacur? Has anyone dealt with giardia in an older dog or colitis?
Thanks for any input!
Linda