CONTRIBUTOR(S): VetFolio, Vetstream Ltd,
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is an intestinal condition caused by a single-celled parasite. Dogs and cats swallow cysts containing the parasite from contaminated environments, usually during grooming. Coccidiosis can be treated with an oral medication for 5-10 days.
©Sheelagh Lloyd
What is coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis is an intestinal condition caused by a microscopic, single-celled parasite. There are several types of coccidia, but dogs with coccidiosis are usually infected with Isospora canis, while cats are infected with the parasite Isospora felis. The coccidia species that infect dogs do not infect cats, and vice versa. The cysts in the feces from one dog can infect another dog, and the cysts in the feces from one cat can infect another cat. However, the species of coccidia that affect dogs and cats generally don’t infect people.
How did my dog get coccidiosis?
Infected cats shed cysts containing the parasite in their feces. These cysts can survive in the environment for as long as a year, and other pets can become infected by swallowing the cysts from a contaminated environment (usually during grooming). Dogs and cats can also be infected by eating an infected rodent.
Once inside the pet’s digestive tract, the cysts break open, and the parasite enters the intestinal cells, where it reproduces. The cell eventually ruptures, releasing the parasites and damaging the intestinal lining.
What are the signs of coccidiosis?
The main sign is watery diarrhea that may be tinged with blood or mucus. Infected pets may also experience vomiting, a loss of appetite, and tiredness. In severely affected kittens, dehydration, weight loss, and, in some cases, death can occur.
Older pets usually have milder signs and some pets may show no signs at all but still shed the parasite cysts in their feces.
How will my veterinarian diagnose coccidiosis?
A fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis. The parasite cysts are often difficult to find on a fecal exam so your vet may choose to treat your pet if he suspects coccidiosis, even if no cysts are found.
Any new pet being introduced into the home should have a fecal sample tested as soon as possible to diagnose coccidiosis or other intestinal parasite infections. Your veterinarian may also recommend fecal tests during your pet’s regular check-ups.
How is coccidiosis treated?
Several oral medications may be used to treat this condition and your pet will most likely require daily treatment for 5-10 days. If you have a multi-dog household, but only one dog showing signs of coccidiosis, it is wise to treat the other dogs to prevent reinfection from other dogs that may carry the parasite but show no signs. Pets (particularly puppies) with severe dehydration may need fluid therapy.
How can coccidiosis be prevented?
To prevent your dog from being infected from parasite cysts in the environment, wash his or her bedding and clean the kennel area with an ammonia product. Pick up and dispose of feces as soon as possible, and prevent your pet hunting animals when outside.