stunted growth?

[Colbydog]

When my pup was 6 months old he got giardia, and it took 3-4 weeks to get him back to 100%. I was wondering if it may have stunted his growth, for he is now 7 1/2 months old and weighs 55 lbs, and 21" at the shoulders. he doesn't really look skinny, but is fit, and gets much exercise. I already feed him 5-6 cups of food a day. Any suggestions?

[Judi W]

Giardia is not uncommon, but I am unaware of it stunting growth.

[mmgy]

He still has a couple of growth spurts to go through, no point in rushing him. Plus, sometimes even if you're over an illness, it can take a long time to get completely back in shape.

[spidey]

I agree with the other posts - giardia is unlikely to cause a long-term growth problem (size is usually genetically determined, if your boy ends up small (and he doesn't sound like he's outside the normal range for his age, so I wouldn't worry) odds are that it will be because of his genes, not giardia) - I can see that a temporary period of poor absorption could slow growth, but it shouldn't do anything permanent. It usually takes a long period of malnutrition to have a permanent effect on growth, a bout of giardia isn't likely to do it. My sister's Irish setter had many bouts of giardia as a puppy, and he's enormous. :)

[Colbydog]

Thanks for the replys. I guess I have seen some other posts on this board talking about thier 9 month old being 80-90 lbs, and I got concerned that maybe he was outside the norm for his age. It was a very hard time for us, and his weight went up and down for several weeks during this period, and it was terrible waking up with him at 1am and having to see him wimper and puke 10 times or so. I just want him to be healthy, not nessesarily huge.

[JonandMichelle]

the food you feed may promote slower growth too, which isn't such a bad thing either. don't worry one day you'll wonder where that little pup went and where this BIG DOG came from! LOL :D

Jon

[SABELLESMOM]

Well, some lines mature more slowly than others, too. When Sable was about a year old at a dog show, there was a second pup the same age almost exactly. Sable was about an inch taller and, while healthy and quite fit, leaner than Trudy. Trudy had more bulk and definately appeared a bit older.

Your dog will be what his genes make him to be. If you're feeding a premium type dog food and providing the right things, I'm sure he'll be fine. :)

[chivas]

Oh geesh - are THOSE rumors still around??? Chivas contacted parvo at 12 weeks, had it for 10 long days. Everyone who saw her SWORE it would stunt her growth. She grew to be 25.5 inches high and 116lbs - ALL MUSCLE!!! If it DID stunt her growth, then she was meant to be 35inches and 200lbs, LOL