Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension

Abstract Background Giardia duodenalis is a prevalent gastrointestinal parasite in dogs, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Metronidazole is a common treatment for this infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a flavored liquid metronidazole oral susp...

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Main Authors: Sloane Jones, Philippe Briantais, Cristiano Von Simson, Eleonore De Meyrignac, Laure Poincelot, Delphine Rigaut
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Parasites & Vectors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06797-w
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author Sloane Jones
Philippe Briantais
Cristiano Von Simson
Eleonore De Meyrignac
Laure Poincelot
Delphine Rigaut
author_facet Sloane Jones
Philippe Briantais
Cristiano Von Simson
Eleonore De Meyrignac
Laure Poincelot
Delphine Rigaut
author_sort Sloane Jones
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Giardia duodenalis is a prevalent gastrointestinal parasite in dogs, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Metronidazole is a common treatment for this infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a flavored liquid metronidazole oral suspension in treating G. duodenalis in naturally infected dogs. Methods A double-masked, vehicle-controlled, randomized, multi-center clinical field trial was conducted. Client-owned dogs with confirmed G. duodenalis infections were enrolled and randomized into AYRADIA-treated and control groups. The AYRADIA group received the metronidazole suspension at 0.2 ml/kg twice daily for 5 days, while the control group received a flavored vehicle suspension without metronidazole. Fecal samples were collected before and after treatment to assess G. duodenalis cyst counts. Clinical examinations and owner assessments were also performed to evaluate safety and treatment acceptance. Results The study enrolled 180 dogs, with 129 included in the efficacy analysis. AYRADIA treatment resulted in a 99.92% reduction in G. duodenalis cyst counts, significantly higher than the reduction in the control group. Adverse events were similar between both groups (10%), mainly consisting of diarrhea and vomiting. The treatment was readily accepted by 99% of dogs. Conclusions AYRADIA, administered at 0.2 ml/kg twice daily for 5 days, is highly effective in treating G. duodenalis infections in dogs. The treatment demonstrated a positive safety profile and excellent acceptance. This flavored oral suspension offers a valuable and convenient option for veterinarians managing giardiasis in dogs. Graphical Abstract
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spelling doaj-art-0ed014c6646f4dbd8c25d45cfcb199b22025-08-20T03:53:58ZengBMCParasites & Vectors1756-33052025-05-011811710.1186/s13071-025-06797-wTreatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspensionSloane Jones0Philippe Briantais1Cristiano Von Simson2Eleonore De Meyrignac3Laure Poincelot4Delphine Rigaut5Virbac CorporationVirbacVirbac CorporationVirbacVirbacVirbacAbstract Background Giardia duodenalis is a prevalent gastrointestinal parasite in dogs, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Metronidazole is a common treatment for this infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a flavored liquid metronidazole oral suspension in treating G. duodenalis in naturally infected dogs. Methods A double-masked, vehicle-controlled, randomized, multi-center clinical field trial was conducted. Client-owned dogs with confirmed G. duodenalis infections were enrolled and randomized into AYRADIA-treated and control groups. The AYRADIA group received the metronidazole suspension at 0.2 ml/kg twice daily for 5 days, while the control group received a flavored vehicle suspension without metronidazole. Fecal samples were collected before and after treatment to assess G. duodenalis cyst counts. Clinical examinations and owner assessments were also performed to evaluate safety and treatment acceptance. Results The study enrolled 180 dogs, with 129 included in the efficacy analysis. AYRADIA treatment resulted in a 99.92% reduction in G. duodenalis cyst counts, significantly higher than the reduction in the control group. Adverse events were similar between both groups (10%), mainly consisting of diarrhea and vomiting. The treatment was readily accepted by 99% of dogs. Conclusions AYRADIA, administered at 0.2 ml/kg twice daily for 5 days, is highly effective in treating G. duodenalis infections in dogs. The treatment demonstrated a positive safety profile and excellent acceptance. This flavored oral suspension offers a valuable and convenient option for veterinarians managing giardiasis in dogs. Graphical Abstracthttps://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06797-wGiardiaMetronidazoleDogCanineTreatment
spellingShingle Sloane Jones
Philippe Briantais
Cristiano Von Simson
Eleonore De Meyrignac
Laure Poincelot
Delphine Rigaut
Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
Parasites & Vectors
Giardia
Metronidazole
Dog
Canine
Treatment
title Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
title_full Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
title_fullStr Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
title_full_unstemmed Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
title_short Treatment of giardiasis in dogs: field clinical study to confirm the efficacy, safety, and acceptance of a metronidazole-based flavored oral suspension
title_sort treatment of giardiasis in dogs field clinical study to confirm the efficacy safety and acceptance of a metronidazole based flavored oral suspension
topic Giardia
Metronidazole
Dog
Canine
Treatment
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06797-w
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