My dog's giardia won't go away. Is it possible it's permanent?

Question

Pepper still has giardia. Initially treated 14 days metro w/7 days panacur mixed in. Sent stool to lab where they detected still shedding cysts. Vet said we can treat again with Panacur. Very diligent about keeping her and the yard clean. Her stool has become more firm for the past few weeks. Could she always have giardia? We have 9yr yorkie who seems fine. Separate bathroom areas and food and water bowls. feeling so defeated that Pepper will never kick this giardia. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 3 months and 14 days old | 12 lbs

Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist · Accepted Answer

Don't panic. Like people, some dogs tend to have the kind of immune system that takes a long time to clear some infections. Also, in some people as well as dogs giardia can be detected but not cause clinical disease. I suspect at some point researchers are going to recognize that in some individuals these organisms can function as commensals and not cause harm (and perhaps even be found to have some symbiotic, beneficial relationship to their hosts). I think it is important to reduce the shedding load so that the environs are not contaminated posing a risk to other animals, but not to get overly concerned that the dog always test perfectly negative. Hope that helps!

My dog's giardia won't go away. Is it possible it's permanent?

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