Coccidiosis in Puppies and Kittens

Coccidia: A Tiny Intestinal Parasite Which Infects Dogs and Cats

Apr 19, 2009

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite known as coccidia. Coccidiosis is common in kittens and puppies and can cause severe diarrhea with dehydration.

Cocciodiosis is seen in dogs and cats of all ages, but is especially common in puppies and kittens. It is caused by a one-celled, microscopic organism classified as coccidia. The species most likely to cause disease in dogs and cats is known as Isospora.

What is Coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease caused by a parasite. Though this intestinal parasite is usually identified using the same methods used to diagnose intestinal worms, coccidia is not a worm. It is actually a tiny organism made up of only one cell and is also sometimes referred to as a protozoan.

How do Kittens and Puppies Become Infected with Coccidia?

Both kittens and puppies as well as adult dogs and cats can become infected with coccidia by ingesting soil or other materials contaminated with infected feces.

Cats which are old enough to hunt can also become infected with coccidia by ingesting rodents which are infected with coccidia. Dogs may also become infected in this manner, but this happens much less frequently in dogs than in cats.

What Types of Symptoms do Dogs and Cats Infected with Coccidia Show?

Many dogs and cats are infected with coccidia without any outward signs. However, for younger kittens and puppies, coccidia can cause:

How is Coccidiosis Diagnosed in Dogs and Cats?

Coccidiosis is diagnosed by finding the coccidia organisms while performing a fecal analysis. Because the coccidia organisms are so small, microscopic examination of feces is the only way diagnose coccidiosis. The coccidia organisms are not visible to the naked eye.

How is Coccidiosis in Dogs and Cats Treated?

Cocciodiosis is usually treated with medications known as coccidiostats. Coccidiostats are medications which halt the growth of the coccidia organisms. By halting the growth and reproduction of coccidia organisms, the infected dog or cat is often able to mount an adequate immune defense to get rid of the coccidial intestinal parasites infecting them.

Effective coccidiostats frequently used in dogs and cats include sulfa drugs such as Albon and sulfadimethoxasole.

If an animal is not showing symptoms of disease or is only mildly affected, a coccidiostat medication may be effective in itself. However, in kittens and puppies which are suffering severe diarrhea and dehydration, supportive care may be necessary in order to save the animal's life.

Supportive care is likely to include fluid therapy to battle dehydration. Puppies and kittens suffering severe clinical signs of coccidiosis may not survive without aggressive medical management.

Can Coccidiosis be Prevented in Dogs and Cats?

Promptly removing feces from the premises is the most reliable way of preventing the spread of cocciosis. Feces should be removed immediately from the yard when a dog or puppy defecates there. For cats and kittens, the litter box should be scooped clean of feces regularly.

Preventing pets from hunting can also help prevent the spread of coccidiosis. This is especially true for cats. In addition, keeping cats indoors will help prevent the spread of coccidiosis.

The copyright of the article Coccidiosis in Puppies and Kittens in Pet Diseases is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Coccidiosis in Puppies and Kittens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.