GIARDIA! Demand Extensive Fecal Tests!
An Email From A Thankful Pet Owner

Now, onto the details...We met with the 2nd internist yesterday for the fecal tests. I'm expecting her full written report (with the specific tests/organisms outlined) later today, but I do have some preliminary information. The specialist POURED over her slide, and
could not see anything on visual examination. She also did something called an "acid fast stain", and only saw one thing that looked a little strange, but still not anything definitive.

In addition to her microscopic examination of the fecal sample, and the "regular" fecal tests that rule out whipworms, round worms, etc., she sent slides out for a Giardia Elisa test. Giardia, when present, isn't an organism that is profuse in the feces, so it is sort of "hit or miss" in finding it with a "regular" test. That is why the Giardia Elisa test is so important; it tests for a particular enzyme that is present if Giardia is there. This test is sent to an outside lab to perform.

My phone rings at 8:15 AM today, and the Elisa test was positive. So, the long and short of it is that while Serena likely did NOT have IBD to begin with, she may be left with it (at least for 6-8 months) as a result of the misdiagnosis and treatment. The Prednisone has made the condition WORSE, MUCH worse. And, the lack of a sufficient dose of Flagyl to kill the Giardia has allowed it to basically ravage her gut. Since Giardia is a water-borne organism, Serena likely contracted it last summer (or early fall) at the lake.

Just to clarify - Serena WAS put on Flagyl (the drug of choice for Giardia), but she was not put on a high-enough dose to kill Giardia. The Giardia dose is 2 mg/kg, I now know. The dose she was given was the bacterial overgrowth/IBD dose.

It's no wonder my poor dog looks and acts half-dead. I shudder to think what would have happened had I not followed my instincts and become an advocate for my pet.

Of course, I can't take full credit for this either, as I don't know if I would have sought this second opinion (yet) were it not for those on this board (and the other) that have sought second opinions. Reading these boards put the idea in my head, and for that I am
eternally grateful. Long live the internet!!!

So, my advice for anyone struggling with an IBD diagnosed dog that isn't responding to treatment: DEMAND extensive fecal tests!!! The ones that I have on my bill are as follows:

1. Giardia Elisa
2. Acid Fast Stain
3. Fecal culture

Again, my eternal gratitude to everyone on this board for your support, and more importantly, for teaching me that sometimes, even the best veterinarians/specialists can miss something. I will never again continue a course of treatment that does not seem to be working without a second opinion. I have all of you to thank for that.

Chandra & Serena