What are coccidia?
Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that multiply in
the
intestinal tracts of dogs and cats, most commonly in puppies and
kittens
less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is
suppressed,
or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in
ownership,
other disease present).
In dogs and cats, most coccidia are of the genus called Isospora.
Isospora
canis and I. ohioensis are the species most often encountered in dogs.
Regardless
of which species is present, we generally refer to the disease as
coccidiosis.
As a puppy ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects
of
coccidia. As an adult, he may carry coccidia in his intestines, and
shed
the cyst in the feces, but experience no ill effects.
How are coccidia transmitted?
A puppy is not born with the coccidia organisms in his intestine.
However,
once born, the puppy is frequently exposed to his mother's feces, and
if
the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces, then the young
animals
will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop within their
intestines.
Since young puppies, usually those less than six months of age, have no
immunity
to coccidia, the organisms reproduce in great numbers and parasitize
the
young animal's intestines. Oftentimes, this has severe effects.
From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is
about
13 days. Most puppies who are ill from coccidia are, therefore, two
weeks
of age and older. Although most infections are the result of spread
from
the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected puppy or kitten
is
contagious to other puppies or kittens. In breeding facilities,
shelters,
animal hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those
that
are not.
What are the symptoms of coccidiosis?
The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea.
The
diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection.
Blood
and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely
affected
animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in
some
instances, die from the disease.
Most infected puppies encountered by the authors are in the four to
twelve
week age group. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be
considered
when a loose stool or diarrhea is encountered in this age group. A
microscopic
fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a
diagnosis.
What are the risks?
Although many cases are mild, it is not uncommon to see severe, bloody
diarrhea
result in dehydration and even death. This is most common in animals
who
are ill or infected with other parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
Coccidiosis
is very contagious, especially among young puppies. Entire kennels may
become
contaminated, with puppies of many age groups simultaneously affected.
What is the treatment of coccidiosis?
It should be mentioned that stress plays a role in the development of
coccidiosis.
It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy puppy to arrive at his new
home
and develop diarrhea several days later leading to a diagnosis of
coccidia.
If the puppy has been at the new home for less than thirteen days, then
he
had coccidia before he arrived. Remember, the incubation period (from
exposure
to illness) is about thirteen days. If the puppy has been with his new
owner
several weeks, then the exposure to coccidia most likely occurred after
the
animal arrived at the new home.
Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine
(Albon®)
and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen®) have been effective in
the
treatment and prevention of coccidia. Because these drugs do not kill
the
organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities,
elimination
of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the ability of
the
protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy's own immunity to
develop
and remove the organisms.
How is coccidiosis prevented or controlled? Because coccidia is spread by the feces of carrier animals, it is
very
important to practice strict sanitation. All fecal material should be
removed.
Housing needs to be such that food and water cannot become contaminated
with
feces. Clean water should be provided at all times. Most disinfectants
do
not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam
cleaning,
immersion in boiling water, or a 10% ammonia solution are the best
methods
to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing.
Cockroaches and flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to
another.
Mice and other animals can ingest the coccidia and when killed and
eaten
by a dog, for instance, can infect the dog. Therefore, insect and
rodent
control is very important in preventing coccidiosis.
The coccidia species of dogs and cats do not infect humans.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is
not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a
diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation
of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
