Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are Giardia and other parasites in cats with diarrhea
By Tzannes, Sophia et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2008·Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species infections in pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of pet cats with gastrointestinal issues was tested for infections caused by parasites like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Isospora. Out of 1,355 cats, 13 had Cryptosporidium, 74 had Giardia, and 46 had Isospora. Younger cats, especially those under 6 months old, were more likely to have Giardia and Isospora infections. The study found that these infections are common in cats with digestive problems, but the symptoms can vary widely and are not specific to these parasites. Treatment options were not detailed, so it's best to consult your veterinarian if your cat shows signs of gastrointestinal distress.
People also search for: cat diarrhea treatment · why is my cat vomiting · Giardia in kittens symptoms
Abstract
This study reports the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species in cats showing signs of gastrointestinal disease. Records from a United Kingdom commercial diagnostic laboratory between December 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Of 1355 cats, Cryptosporidium species oocysts were found in 13 cats (1%), Giardia species trophozoites in 74 (6%), and Isospora felis oocysts in 46 (3%). In a second group of 48 cats, prevalence of Giardia species was 15% using an immunoassay for detection of antigen compared to 4% detected with microscopy. Prevalence of Giardia (9%) and Isospora (9%) species was higher in cats less than 6 months old. Gender and breed did not affect prevalence. There was a trend for Cryptosporidium and Isospora species infections to be detected in late autumn and early winter. Regional differences in prevalence were not detected. None of these organisms show a characteristic pattern of clinical signs. This study demonstrates that enteric protozoal infection is common in domestic cats showing signs of alimentary disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17706446/