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Round worm
Sent to Pet Experts July 30 05:44 PM

Both of my dogs started having really bad diarreah about three weeks ago. After a week I took them to a vet and their stool samples were sent to the lab. The lab came back positive for round worm for one of my dogs, so both were treated for it. I gave the 1st deworming dose on July 14 (they were also on some meds for collitis to help with diarreah). I was to give the seond dose on July 28 (and did). But on July 27th at night the diarreah came back in both of my dogs. It's been over 48 hours since I gave the second dose of deworming but they still have awful diarreah. How long does it take for the diarreah to go away. I am actually considering going back to the vet, even though I've been told that the stool doesn't need to be checked again intil almost two weeks after the seond round has been given. I am so confused! Could the original diagnosis (fecal test) has been wrong and it's not round warm but something lese.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Male; Breed: Poodles

Already Tried:
I have a 2 year old male standard poodle and 8 month old female standard. They've both been dewormed, for the 2nd time on the 28th, but diarreah came back with the vengence at night on the 27th in both!.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Info Request
July 30 5:53 PM (8 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark

The diagnosis of roundworm is mots likley reliable, but there may be a SECOND parasite that is causing problems.

When did the antibiotic run out?

Dr. T

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Honest_Vet -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 28 Pet Accepts
B.S., DVM (vet); over 6 years both clinical and pharmaceutical experience
Reply
July 30 6:03 PM (9 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Reply to Honest_Vet's Post: If I am not mistaken, I got the antibiotic on the 12th of July and it was twice a day for 7 days. I gave the 1st dose on the 12th in the afternoon and the last on the morning of the 18th.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 30 6:08 PM (5 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

It sounds to me like the diarrhea responded to the antibiotic.

The dewormer, being given 2 weeks apart, tells me that roundworms were not the only problem. Otherwise, knowing the life cycle of the roundworm, diarrhea should not come back less that 2 weeks after deworming.

It is possible there is Giardia or another parasite that is not always found on fecal float.

What was the antibiotic?

Dr. T

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Honest_Vet -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 28 Pet Accepts
B.S., DVM (vet); over 6 years both clinical and pharmaceutical experience
Reply
July 30 6:17 PM (8 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
Reply to Honest_Vet's Post: Both dogs were given Flagyl (250 and 500 mg doses) because of diffirent weight. I was also told that round worm is always treated twice. A pill and a half the first time and a pill and a half the second time two weeks later. The deormer they got is Drontal Plus. Their stool is really loose and mucusy (sp?)and there is even traces of blood, but not all the time are really just a bit.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 30 6:22 PM (5 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

The roundworm protocol is correct - 2 dewormings 2-3 weeks apart. Drontal Plus excellent. do it.

Flagyl kills a lot of enteric pathogens (gut bacteria), including Giardia.

My suspicion is Giardia or possibly another bacteria. Giardia can be hard to find on fecal exam. Some vets can send out a Giardia "snap test", ask about this.

In the meantime, I would let your vet know about the relapse and get the dogs back on Flagyl. It won't hurt them. Giardia can be tough to clear, but first you need an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. T



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Honest_Vet -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 28 Pet Accepts
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