Single dose secnidazol treatment efficacy against naturally occurring Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether secnidazole administered at a single dose of 30 mg/kg, orally, decreases or eliminates Giardia cyst shedding, and to validate the benefit of secnidazole treatment on clinical signs and faecal scoring in dogs naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 dogs, from various breed, age and of both sexes were involved. The diagnosis was based on the detection of trophozoites and/or cysts via faecal flotation among dogs naturally infected with Giardia sp., and also by use of rapid diagnostic test kits. Cyst count per gram faeces (days 0., 3., 7. and 10) and faecal scores were analyzed among groups. Two groups of dogs, the secnidazole group (n:6) and the control group (n:6) were enrolled. In dogs involved in treatment group secnidazole was administered at a single dosage of 30 mg/kg orally on day 0, whereas control group received placebo. Results: On days 3., 7., and 10. there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in cyst shedding; whereas evaluation of mean geometric cyst shedding revealed 100% reduction. Evaluation of faecal scores on daily basis revealed that feces of dogs in treatment group after day 3 were appearently close to normal score as 3. Conclusion: As a result of this study, secnidazole at a single dose might be practically applicable, reasonably priced, safe, and effective drug for therapy of dogs with giardiasis.