treating beaver fever (giardiasis) in cats

Pet Health Article

• Treating Beaver Fever (Giardiasis) in Cats

Giardiasis, also known as giardia or Beaver Fever, is a tiny one-celled parasite that cats become infected with when they drink contaminated water. Many cats carry giardia without any symptoms at all. However younger cats or cats with impaired or stressed immune systems can develop symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and tiredness.

Fortunately giardiasis can be diagnosed through a fecal test, and then effectively treated with medications. Metronidazole has been the most frequently used giardia treatment for cats in the past. This drug treats bacterial infestations which cause diarrhea, but it does carry the risk of harmful side effects. Metronidazole has been known to cause vomiting, anorexia, and in rare cases liver damage. This drug cannot be used on cats that are pregnant. If Metronidazole is used to treat giardiasis, it is usually given in tablet form twice a day for 5-7 days.

Due to the risk of side effects from Metronidazole use, and the fact that it cannot be used on pregnant cats, the de-worming medication Panacur is sometimes used as another treatment option. Panacur is normally administered twice a day for 7 days, and it usually comes in a liquid form. In some reported cases the killed vaccine for giardiasis was given to cats with severe symptoms, and the severity of their symptoms was reduced.

Re-infection of giardiasis needs to be prevented by keeping cats away from contaminated water sources. Any areas that came into contact with the cat’s feces should be thoroughly disinfected.