coccidia

[Dachsielvrmarie]

Our newest addition has been diagnosed with coccidia, I noticed that she seemed to be losing more and more weight so off we went to the vet. He gave her an antibiotic, is this the only cure? From what I understand this is a parasite, how does an antibiotic cure it? I just thought he would give her some type of dewormer, can someone tell me more about this disease. We've never had any of our dogs have anything like this before.
Marie

[lilpaws]

About four years ago, I purchased a puppy to join our doxie family which was diagnosed to have coccidia when I took it for its customary health check (which is always an important thing to do within 72 hours of acquiring a puppy). I share with you the knowledge I acquired from that experience -- which I must admit panicked me horribly and turned out to really not be as bad an experience as I thought it was going to be at first.

What are coccidia? Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs, most commonly in puppies 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, 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 it tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia. As an adult it may carry coccidia in its intestines, 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 its intestine. However, once born, the puppy is frequently exposed to its 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. Often times 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 is contagious to other puppies.

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. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhea is encountered in in 8-12 week old puppies. 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 its 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 it had coccidia before it arrived. Remember the incubation period (from exposure to illness) is about thirteen days. If the puppy has been with its new owner several weeks, then the exposure to coccidia most likely occurred after the animal arrived at the new home. Usually coccidia was present only to surface during the stressful period of the puppy adjusting to a new home. Fortunately coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen) and amprolium (Corid) have all 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. Drug treatments of five or more days are usually required.

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. Flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to another. The coccidia species of dogs do not infect humans.




<font color="#00FFFF" font size="1">[This message has been edited by lilpaws (edited July 16, 2000).]</font>

[Dachsielvrmarie]

Lilpaws,
Thanks for all the info, you did a better job of expaining this than our vet did. I'll start watching the rest of the gang for signs and start the cleaning process ASAP.
Thanks,
Marie