cats may have Giardia; bird prevention?

[happycat]

My three cats and my dog are all sick. Bloody feces, etc. I think it is giardia, a parasite. I've heard that parrots can get it too and I am worried that the cats will transmit it to Kirby. How can I prevent this from happening? And can it even happen?

Kirby is in a different room than them, but should I be washing my hands and changing my clothes when I touch him?

 

[TessieB]

Have a vet diagnose if you really have a giardia infection. Bloody feces can be caused by a multitude of things including hookworms, coccidia, rat poison, dietary indescrection and so forth. Giardia usually causes mucoid diarrhea with flecks of blood. However, if you bird is not exposed to the feces, and you follow proper protocol as you already mentioned, the risk of giardia infection is decreased.

If your pets are passing bright red feces, an immediate veterinary visit is recommended.

 

[happycat]

Have a vet diagnose if you really have a giardia infection. Bloody feces can be caused by a multitude of things including hookworms, coccidia, rat poison, dietary indescrection and so forth. Giardia usually causes mucoid diarrhea with flecks of blood. However, if you bird is not exposed to the feces, and you follow proper protocol as you already mentioned, the risk of giardia infection is decreased.

If your pets are passing bright red feces, an immediate veterinary visit is recommended.

I took one to the vet yesterday. I didn't know it was all three of my cats plus my dog though. They have mucus and flecks of blood in their soft poop/one has it with diarrhea.

 

[MonicaMc]

It's possible to get giardia from the water supply... and if all the animals are on the same water supply, then it means that all of them could have gotten infected.


What did the vet say?

 

[happycat]

It's possible to get giardia from the water supply... and if all the animals are on the same water supply, then it means that all of them could have gotten infected.


What did the vet say?

Oh my...that worries me because Giardia can be much more serious in parrots. The vet is checking the fecal matter and all that jazz.

Tonight I came home and Kirby was on the cage floor. Maybe sleeping, maybe he woke up and went to the cage floor (which he has never done)
Kakarikis are often on cage floors but it still worries me a bit. What should I do in the meanwhile? He has been drinking the same water...

 

[MonicaMc]

Might want to get him tested as well if your other animals have it... and the tests for birds can apparently run anywhere from $15-$180! YIKES!

Check his droppings, see if he's acting lethargic or just 'off' in any way, etc. Keep a close eye on him.

 

[MikeyTN]

That would have me concerned IF everyone have giardia!!!! The best treatment for giardia for dogs and cats would be Panacur, a common dewormer medicine. It's a 3 treatment med and you treat again a month later. Get it in liquid form as it's easier to administer the right amount to treat them with if that's what they have. It'll help with worm issues too of course. I had to treat a dog we rescued years ago that had giardia. They're gonna prescribe you different medications as most vets do NOT know to treat them with Panacur instead. We got it knocked out after one treatment where they wanted to do multiple month treatment. Where they go use the bathroom outside you need to carry a bottle of bleach spray with you and spray it down after they do their business. Be sure to sanitize your hands too as it is highly contagious!!!!!