Giardiasis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Feline Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Giardia is a protozoan parasite infecting the feline small intestine, causing diarrhoea.
• Cat-specific Giardia biotypes do not typically infect humans.
• Infections are most prevalent in young cats, especially in multi-cat environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Giardia infections in cats.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis commonly utilizes in-practice ELISA for faecal antigen detection or zinc sulphate flotation.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an available diagnostic tool, though less frequently used.
• Clinical signs include small intestinal diarrhoea and potential weight loss.

Main Results:

• Fenbendazole and metronidazole are the primary treatments for Giardia in cats.
• Resolution of secondary gastrointestinal changes can be slow, with diarrhoea persisting post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing Giardia infections in cats.
• Careful interpretation of diagnostic results is necessary, as asymptomatic infections can occur.