Parasites
The most common parasites seen in puppies are as follows
Roundworm
These worms encyst in the tissue of the bitch and remain dormant. During the late stages of pregnancy, the larvae are released and carried to the unborn puppies. Circulating larvae also get to the puppies via breast milk.
Therefore worming both dam and puppies at 10 day intervals is recommended, starting at 2 wks. of age and continuing after puppy goes home (under the supervision of a veterinarian).
Coccidiosis
(Coccy)
This is a protozoan which may be present from birth. Young animals have not developed resistance or immunity to protozoan infections. Stress can cause proliferation of the various protozoans to clinical levels. All new puppies should be suspected of having a coccidia infection and should be treated on a routine basis.
Giardiasis
Another protozoan common in puppies that might be present at birth.
The common transmission is by ingestion of cysts from feces from infected animals or water contaminated with gardia.
Gardia can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days to show symptoms and can only be diagnosed with a fresh warm stool sample. A human prescription drug , flagyl ( generic name, metronidazole ) is a successful treatment.
Note: Metronidazole is also good at soothing the intestinal tract that has been stressed from deworming.
1- For roundworm protection our breeders deworm routinely from the age of 2 wks. at 10 day intervals. This practice should be continued with veterinarian supervision once he is placed in a new home.
2- For Coccidiosis protection, under the guidance of our veterinarian, all our puppies are treated with sulfadimethoxine at the breeders for 1 week before we receive the pups and in most cases "Coccy" will not develop.
3- There is now a new vaccination for the prevention of Giardiasis. This vaccine is routinely used on our breeding bitches to help control this protozoan. The pups are also given Metronidazole, under the guidance of our Veterinarian, for 1 week before we receive the pups.
4- We send all our puppies home with an Electrolyte solution for their water. This combats dehydration caused by diarrhea and insures the stress of the move will not harm your puppy.
Rainbow Park has an excellent support system with a veterinarian on call 24 hrs. a day. We encourage all our clients to take advantage of our expertise and experience, as we are available to all our clients at any time after the time of sale. We are always willing and able to help you with any questions concerning the little ones that have been in our care.
This page was looked over and approved by veterinarian Dr. J. Rostkowski
of Tower Drive Animal Clinic.
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