Puppy Poo

RE: Puppy Poo

Iain Richards — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 09:04:48 GMT

Fascinating. 2 replies. So can I assume that a) there is no real evidence that faecal consistency is significant b) findings from faecal examination are not significant?

RE: Puppy Poo

Bob Russell — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:03:00 GMT

We see a lot of giardia cases. I make it clear that there is a debate about its importance but I am fairly convinced it is relevant.

Problem, positive giardia, treatment with fenbendazole, they improve. Time and time again. It can be argued that they may have improved anyway but if so, why did they not settle earlier?

Not EBM but many years of seeing cases. Those that stay positive tend to continue to have problems. Improved hygiene, diet and worming are all likely factors as well.

Not proof of course!

RE: Puppy Poo

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 10:05:11 GMT

I would be interesting to know the source of these puppies. My experience is that more and more puppies are being bought from dodgy sources (many from Eastern Europe), fueled by the ease of purchase off the internet and encouraged by fashion/celebrity endorsement and trophy dog keeping. These almost inevitably have diarrhoea, as puppy farm pups always did, no doubt from a combination of poor management, poor parasite control and crap diet so it may not be a change in the microbiome as you suggest but just relative to increased numbers.

However my approach has not changed much, most will resolve with improved hygeine, routine worming and better diet. I rarely find a need to culture faeces and like you wonder what the significance findings of Giardia and Campylobactor is anyway, given these can be isolated from normal dogs. The judicious use of Fenbendazole +/- Metronidazole seems to sort most out when improved management has fallen short but sadly the sort of clients who are often buying these puppies don't want to listen to good dietary advice and keep feeding rubbish.