according to Richard L Porter DVM Giardia is:
a parasite that lives in many different and often unexpected water
sources... it causes giardiasis, which is the most frequently occuring
protozoal water borne illeness in North Amerca...it can be found anywhere
from puddles and pounds to swimming pool and streams....your pet can contact
the disease by drinking contaminated water, or even by licking his paws
after walking in an infected area...symptoms include diarreha, weight loss,
and poor weight gain despite normal appetite...but this is not always
true...(my 6 little words)...although the potential for pain in infected
pets is not known, humans with giardiasis can suffer from intense abdominal
pain and cramping...complicating things in the fact that MANY PETS CONTRACT
THEDISEASE AND SHOW FEW SYMPTOMS, but are still capable of passing it to
other animals....
 
kv vet supply catalog offers a new shot for dogs against giardia...hey
maybe there will be one soon for cats and ferrets...that would be great!!!!
 
Trudi C
[Posted in FML issue 2653]