Coccidia or Giardia - how to know?

[iwonka]

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[Squirrel Girls Mom]

Since they're both protozoans and have such similar symptoms, I don't know how you could tell without a microscopic exam of a stool sample. Lucy & Lily had coccidia and it had a very distinctive smell. I don't know how giardia smells. The vet told me that coccidia is really common in squirrels. Maybe we should wait for someone that has dealt with both . . .

[Jackie in Tampa]

Since they're both protozoans and have such similar symptoms, I don't know how you could tell without a microscopic exam of a stool sample. Lucy & Lily had coccidia and it had a very distinctive smell. I don't know how giardia smells. The vet told me that coccidia is really common in squirrels. Maybe we should wait for someone that has dealt with both . . .this is true, even my vets have a hard time seeing coccidia under a scope...
the smell is that of death with giardia..
totally different parasite vector...
many times baby sqs are born with coccidia, even though it doesn't present itself..
where as giardia is not carried and passed it is aquired thru yucky water usually. IT STINKS LIKE DEATH DEAD DEAD.
Giardia is actually harder to diagnose than the ever elusive coccidia ..
giardia can only be detected at certain times in it's life cycle...
there are tests for giardia that are faster than growing a culture, but costly.
Metro/flagyl is going to help with both...however the sulpha in bactrim is targeted more directly at coccidia. Most vets, mine included, will treat by a elimination process as it is less expensive and on a n more realistic time line as well.
hope this helps, if not I will try to answer more or do some research or emmail my vet...

[iwonka]

Lucy & Lily had coccidia and it had a very distinctive smell. I don't know how giardia smells.

Do you agree that it is a "sour/acid" smell for coccidia ?

[iwonka]

Endoparasites by Shirley Casey:

"Squirrels are hosts to many different endoparasites. For example, squirrels commonly have coccidia, an endoparasite, in their GI tract and do not experience problems. However, an overgrowth of coccidia can occur if the squirrel is under stress from capture, injury, or captivity. They may alternate normal stool one day with soft, yellow stool the next. Squirrels with coccidia also may have slower growth rates but stool that appears normal. Coccidia does not always show up on a fecal exam. It is easily treated with AlbonŽ.

Giardia, another endoparasite, may cause squirrels to develop diarrhea that has green tints, mucus, and a strong odor. Squirrels with giardia also tend to have slower growth rates. Giardia has been treated with Metronidazole, Panacur, or other products.

Both coccidia and giardia can be transmitted easily to other squirrels. Following initial quarantine protocols can help prevent other squirrels from getting endoparasites and developing stool problems."

[Scooterzmom]

Endoparasites by Shirley Casey:

"Squirrels are hosts to many different endoparasites. For example, squirrels commonly have coccidia, an endoparasite, in their GI tract and do not experience problems. However, an overgrowth of coccidia can occur if the squirrel is under stress from capture, injury, or captivity. They may alternate normal stool one day with soft, yellow stool the next. Squirrels with coccidia also may have slower growth rates but stool that appears normal. Coccidia does not always show up on a fecal exam. It is easily treated with AlbonŽ.

Giardia, another endoparasite, may cause squirrels to develop diarrhea that has green tints, mucus, and a strong odor. Squirrels with giardia also tend to have slower growth rates. Giardia has been treated with Metronidazole, Panacur, or other products.

Both coccidia and giardia can be transmitted easily to other squirrels. Following initial quarantine protocols can help prevent other squirrels from getting endoparasites and developing stool problems."

:goodpost