Interpretation of single dose secnidazole against naturally occuring Giardia duodenalis in dogs

In the present study the aim was to establish the efficacy of 30 mg/kg single dose secnidazol in dogs naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis. For those purposes a total of 12 dogs, from various breed, age and of both sexes were enrolled. Diagnosis was based on detection of trophozoit and/or cysts on fecal flotation among dogs naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis, besides by use of rapid diagnostic test kits working with ELISA and immunochromatographic principles. Cyst count per gram of feces were performed among days 0., 3., 7. and 10 in all cases. On days 0 and 10 hematologic (WBC, RBC, HCT, MCHC, PLT) and serum biochemical (ALT, creatinine, triglycerid, urea) values were determined. Furthermore in attempt to analyze fecal scores fecal samples were monitorized for 10 days in all cases. Two group of dogs secnidazole group (n:6) and control group (n:6) were enrolled. Among dogs enrolled in treatment group secnidazole was administered at a single dosage of 30 mg/kg perorally on day 0, whereas control group were left without any active ingredient. Cyst count per gram feces, fecal scores, hematological ans serum biochemical values were analyzed among groups and intragroup comparisons. On days 3., 7., and 10 th there was significant (P˂0.01) reduction in cyst excretion; whereas evaluation of mean geometric cyst excretion revealed 100% reduction. Evaluation of fecal scores on daily basis revealed that feces of dogs in treatment group after day 3 were appearently close to normal score (3). Among two group statistical analysis of hematological varaibles revealed significance on days 0 and 10. Serum biochemical varaibles were within reference ranges in both groups. In conclusion secnidazole at a single dose of 30 mg/kg might be practically appliable, reasonably priced, safety, completely effective and causing rapid recovery treatment protocole for therapy of dogs with Giardiasis. Keywords: dog, Giardiasis, treatment, secnidazole