Efficacy of albendazole against giardiasis in dogs

Am J Vet Res. 1993 Jun;54(6):926-8.

Abstract

Efficacy of albendazole for treating giardiasis in dogs was assessed in 3 experiments. In experiment 1, Giardia cysts were cleared from feces of 5 of 7 dogs (as determined by the zinc-sulfate concentration technique) after the dogs received a single dose of albendazole (25 mg/kg of body weight, PO), whereas feces of 3 of 7 dogs became clear of cysts without treatment. In experiment 2, feces of 5 of 5 dogs became clear of cysts after albendazole treatment (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 4 doses); feces of 1 of 5 untreated control dogs became clear. In experiment 3, feces of 18 of 20 dogs became clear of cysts after albendazole (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h for 4 doses) was given; none of the 20 control dogs had feces clear of cysts. Signs of toxicosis were not observed in any dog. These results indicate that a single dose of albendazole (25 mg/kg, PO) is not effective for treating giardiasis in dogs. However, 4 doses of albendazole (25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) are highly effective and non-toxic for treatment of giardiasis in dogs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Albendazole / adverse effects
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology
  • Dogs
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Giardiasis / drug therapy
  • Giardiasis / veterinary*

Substances

  • Albendazole