Anyone deal with Cryptosporidium?

[pkd]

My 8 month old puppy just got diagnosed with Cryptosporidium. I searched the boards and didn't find too much. Has anyone been through this who could share their stories? I'm curious how soon he will start to get better and when he will gain weight. Also, any advice on supplements and probiotics would be appreciated.

A little background on Samson: I got Samson at 3 months from a breeder. He is my first GSD, and is a great dog! Unfortunately, he has been plagued with intestinal bugs. On the first vet visit we found round worms, coccidia, and giardia. The worms and coccidia cleared up right away, but the giardia took a few treatments. The giardia now appears to be gone. Along the way Samson reacted to metronidazole. He's had intermittent diarhea since I got him. Recently, it got worse. The vet did a GI-panel, which is how we found the cryptosporidium, and a fasting blood test which showed he is negative for pancreatic issues. The vet prescribed azythromycin for 7 days. Then he said Samson will be on Tylan for about a month. He also gave Samson a B12 shot this morning. Samson is eating Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream, and is getting Fortiflora for probiotics. The vet just told me this morning to give the probiotics at least 2 hours apart from any antibiotics. Samson is very underweight. He lost a couple pounds this past week from all the diarhea. He currently weighs only 52 pounds.

[arycrest]

Sounds nasty ... but I cannot tell a lie ... I've never heard of this until I read your message. I did a Google and found a few sites you might find interesting:
Cryptosporidium: A Particularly Nasty Type of Coccidia - VeterinaryPartner.com - a VIN company!
Cryptosporidia | CAPC Vet
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[pkd]

Thanks for the links. My poor puppy

[carmspack]

this may be important in winning the fight against this oocystThey are single celled organisms that cause diarrhea. They reproduce inside intestinal cells, ultimately killing the cell inside that they divide. As their numbers increase, so does the number of intestinal cells being killed until so many cells are killed that the host animal dies from its severe bloody diarrhea or the host’s immune system wins and kills off the Coccidia. Drugs used against Coccidia can suppress reproduction of the organism and thus keep the numbers down, but only the host’s immune system can actually rid the body of the infection. "

Not only do you have to eliminate the cryptosporidium oocysts -- you ALSO have to strengthen the dog and build his immune system "but only the host’s immune system can actually rid the body of the infection"

That goes beyond medication into diet - specifically immune enhancing nutraceuticals.

[Doc]

I dealt with it but can't remember what I did. Followed the vet's advice except NO metronidazole. I hate that stuff. Fortiflora is a probiotic. Like Carmen said, you will need to boost his immunity with something. I use Mega C for vitamins and minerals. It works for me but there are people on here that know a lot more than I on that subject.

[pkd]

Thanks guys! I'm positive that Samson can kick this. He has not had bloody diarrhea, and actually has had formed stools all week thanks to the propectalin (sp?) the vet gave us. I'll do a bit of research on boosting his immune function.

[carmspack]

Pro-Pectalin Tablets Veterinary Information from Drugs.com

[Heidigsd]

Nikki tested positive for Cryptosporidium in January, she did have bloody diarrhea. Our vet gave us the Flagyl at first and when that didn't clear it up he added the Azythromyzin. We haven't had any issues since then.

Just like your Samson, Nikki also had giardia as a puppy. Nikki has other health issues and just can't seem to fight of these infections like a healthy dog. She has been getting this probiotic since she was a puppy: Lactobacillus Acidophilus

I hope Samson feels better soon

Michaela

[Doc]

Originally Posted by Heidigsd

Nikki tested positive for Cryptosporidium in January, she did have bloody diarrhea. Our vet gave us the Flagyl at first and when that didn't clear it up he added the Azythromyzin. We haven't had any issues since then.

Just like your Samson, Nikki also had giardia as a puppy. Nikki has other health issues and just can't seem to fight of these infections like a healthy dog. She has been getting this probiotic since she was a puppy: Lactobacillus Acidophilus

I hope Samson feels better soon

Michaela

You need to boost her immune system. You may consider a complete vitamin and mineral supplement. The Fortiflora probiotic contains more than one biotic.

[Heidigsd]

You need to boost her immune system. You may consider a complete vitamin and mineral supplement. The Fortiflora probiotic contains more than one biotic.

Nikki has EPI and possible IBD so we are very careful about what I give her.

She receives all the vitamins/minerals she requires in her home prepared diet. Fortiflora contains some ingredients I am not comfortable with and I know some dogs who reacted badly to it but thanks for the suggestion