My Shih Tzu puppy has persistent protozoa. What are my next steps?

It sounds like you are doing everything right. I would keep treating her if she still has cysts in the stools. When they "clear" the giardia is completely dependent on the dog. There is not cut and dry answer to that question. Same goes with how many rounds of treatment they will need. Some puppies clear it with one course of medication. Others take months of treatment. Just keep working closely with your vet. Here is a link to more information about giardia in dogs. I think you should consider using a probiotic along with treatment. Any probiotic made for dogs would be OK but I highly recommend you use Fortiflora. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giardia-in-dogs https://www.allivet.com/p-1130-purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-fortiflora-dog-supplement-box-of-30.aspx

Very small and very young dogs can quickly get dehydrated and develop low blood sugar if they have vomiting and diarrhea, so I would recommend taking Tinny Bubbles to the veterinarian as soon as possible to have her evaluated. If she is dehydrated your vet can give her fluids under her skin. They can also give her medication to stop the vomiting and diarrhea. We will sometimes recommend giving oral electrolyte supplementation such a Pedialyte at home to prevent dehydration with diarrhea, but if Tinny Bubbles is also vomiting, then she will likely just vomit it up, so she should see her veterinarian. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that she feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would ask your vet if they think Ziko may have inflammatory bowel disease. This disease can cause ongoing vomiting and/or diarrhea. I am attaching a link here to an article that discusses the condition in detail: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2549. The treatment can range from a special hydrolyzed protein diet (your vet likely carries one in their office) to medications that decrease inflammation in the GI tract such as metronidazole, prednisone, budesonide, cyclosporine). Definitive diagnosis actually require a biopsy but sometimes we will treat if we are suspicious and then monitor response to treatment. I think it is worth discussing with your vet if this is a possibility with Ziko.

Vomiting, diarrhea and a change in appetite can be common side effects of most antibiotics. Since he is not eating and having diarrhea m, it is best to have him rechecked to see if there is another medicine and to make sure he isn't getting dehydrated. You may try a canine probiotic and boiled chicken and rice or low fat yogurt to help with the diarrhea and appetite.

Very commonly worm infestation (gastrointestinal parasites) can affect puppies and cause the signs you are describing. Abdominal swelling is caused by the presence of the parasites, which can also cause malabsorption of nutrients, discomfort and possibly dehydration, especially if you notice soft feces/diarrhoea. A picture of him would definitively help to determine more specifically the underlying problem, but generally speaking a check up would be required for parasite treatment. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello. This sounds very concerning for Princess. You really need to consider having her evaluated by a veterinarian because we are totally unable to diagnose her infection nor prescribe any antibiotics or medications that she might need. She does need help & it sounds like it should be as soon as possible. I do hope you can have her seen soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is a serious medical problem that can become life threatening. It could be parvovirus or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or due to a severe intestinal parasite overload. Regardless she could become severely dehydrated and anemic so she needs veterinary care right away. They will give fluids and medication to control the vomiting and diarrhea. They will run tests to get the correct diagnosis so they will be sure to treat her correctly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chata.