Treating cavies for intestinal parasites
I have realized that due to the rarity and severity, it is very difficult to find Intestinal parasite information as well as treatment when it comes to cavies. Even reputable guinea pig medical records had very little information on the subject, causing me to dig deeper. I made a short list (please feel free to expand on it) containing information on three common intestinal parasites found in guinea pigs.Coccidia
(Binominal: Eimeria caviae)Up until recent years, coccidiosis was very rarely seen in guinea pigs. Due to poor environmental conditions, inbreeding and poor hygiene, it has now become widespread. Coccidiasina is a microscopic, spore-forming, single celled parasite. Coccidian parasites infect the intestinal tract. Being a parasite, they can only survive and reproduce within an animal cell. Once infected the female germ cells (oocytes) sporalate and rapidly duplicate infecting and destroying the animals cells, infected animals need urgent medical attention. It is highly contagious and is passed on through infected feces.
Symptoms
- Runny stool/Diarrhea. May be bloody and foul smelling.
- Dehydration
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Protrusion of the hip bones
- Lethargy
- Death
Diagnosis
- Fecal float
- Culture
- Microscopic analysis.
Treatment
- Baycox (Toltrazuril)
- Albon (Sulfadimethoxine)
Cryptosporidium
(Binominal: Cryptospordium parvum)Cryptosporidium is a protozoal parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. It infects the small intestine, the disease is spread by ingestion of oocytes through feces as well as through contaminated water sources, other animals and contaminated raw food. They are highly resistant to disinfectants due to having an outer shell allowing them to survive outside the body for long periods of time. It is one of the most common causes of water-born diseases in America.
Symptoms
- Runny stool/diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Rapid weight loss
- Enteritis
- Death
Diagnosis
- Stain analysis
Treatment
- Unknown
Giardia
(Binominal: Giardia intestinalis)Giardia is a microscophic parasite that causes the diarreheal illness, giardiasis. Similar to Cryptosporidium, it is resistant to disinfectants due to having an outer shell allowing it to survive outside the body for long periods of time. Giardia is a protazoa that attaches itself to the lining of the intestines often disallowing the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Found on surfaces, in soil, food and contaminated water sources. Most often transmitted via water.
Symptoms
- Runny stool/diarrhea
- Possibly foul-smelling
- Malnourishment (Metronidazole)
- Nasal Discharge
- Rapid weight loss
- Enteritis
- Unusual eating patterns (overeating or undereating)
Diagnosis
- Fecal float
- Stool analysis
Treatment
- Panacur (Fendbendazole)
- Flagyl (Metronidazole)
