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Coccidia
Oocyst of Isospora the most common species of
Coccidia found in dogs and cats
Coccidia are microscopic parasites that are detectable during routine fecal
floatations in the same way that worms are, but coccidia are not worms. They are single
celled organisms that infect the intestines of their host. An infection can cause watery
diarrhea that can be bloody and can be a life threatening problem in young or small pets.
Transmission of coccidia comes from fecal contaminated ground. Oocyst, are
passed in the stool when an infected animal has a bowel movement. These oocysts then
begin to mature. When they have matured enough they become infective to any dog or
cat that swallows them. Pets are often infected during the grooming process when they
ingest some of the infected dirt while licking it off themselves. Mice can also ingest these
oocysts, these mice can infected the host when consumed. Coccidia is most common in
young pets especially when they have been kept in groups (in shelters, kennels, breeding
facilities, etc.) Coccidia is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor
conditions.
Coccidia effects the pet by attacking intestinal cells of the animal. The oocyst
destroys intestinal cells as sporozoites (the mature organisms within the oocyst)
reproduce and infect the intestine. As more intestinal cells are destroyed the function of
the intestine is disrupted cause watery and bloody stool. The main concern for young pets
is dehydration caused by fluid loss.
The medication that is generally used is called Albon. This medication is called a
coccidiostat. It is actually an antibiotic that stops the coccidial reproduction. This gives
the patient’s immune system a chance to catch up and wipe out the infection. The
treatment period depends on the amount of the organisms as well as the patient’s immune
system. The normal course of the medication is 7-14 days. This antibiotic is in the sulfa
family of medications and should not be used during pregnancy because of the possibility
of birth defects. There is also another medication that is sometimes used called ponazuril
this medication is typically given once daily for 3 days to treat coccidia.
Some species of coccidia can infect people but the isospora species of dogs and
cats is not one of them. It can be infective to other pets through exposure to infected fecal
matter. It is important to remember that coccidia is mainly an infection of young animals
due to their immature immune system. In most cases and infected puppy or kitten does
not infect an adult pet with in the home.