Questions about cryptosporidium.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Carol and thanks so much for your question!

I'm sorry to hear that Shaylea has crypto. It is definitey not a common parasite to have. However, it is something that needs to be taken seriously as it can cause quite serious illness.

While some dogs will come in contact with crypto and eventually clear the disease on their own, I would still recommend treating Shaylea and possibly your other dog as well. The main reason to do this is because of the potential for spread to humans.

While crypto can be spread to humans, the good news is that usually the only people who get this condition are those who are immunosuppressed such as people with AIDS. It is quite uncommon for a relatively healthy individual to get it. *IF* someone in your family was to get it, you would definitely know as it causes very severe cramping and diarrhea, but again, it is unlikely to happen.

It sounds like your vet wants to treat with a medication called tylosin as it is a powder that is sprinkled on the food. I think this is a reasonable place to start. Another treatment is an antibiotic called azithromycin. This drug is considered to be a little more effective than tylosin but is more expensive. Sometimes a vet will use a combo of these drugs and possibly one other medication. However, there are some dogs that never completely get rid of crypto. It seems that in most cases though they do well after treatment and have no further problems.

I had to do some research to find out whether you can expect your dog to be contagious for life. The current research suggests that a dog usually sheds the cysts for anywhere from a few days to 80 days. There is the occasional dog that can shed the cysts intermittently for life but this is not the norm.

And yes, the DNA test is definitely the recommended one. The other, less expensive tests are not very accurate.

I hope that helps! If I haven't completely answered your question, just hit reply and let me know.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

If this were my case and your other dog's stool sample tested negative for crypto I would not elect to treat him.

Both Tylosin and azithromycin are quite safe to use. Some dogs with azithromycin get some mild stomach upset, but that's about it.

You will likely never know where your dog picked this up! I think there is a good chance that it will be just a one time thing though, especially if you go through with treatment.

Hope she does well!

Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for the bonus! I wish you and your pups the best!
Dr. Marie.