What are Coccidia?
Coccidia are single celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are but coccidia are not worms and they are not visible to the naked eye. Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody and can even be a life-threatening problem to an especially young or small pet.

Where do Coccidia come from?
Coccidia come from fecal-contaminated ground. They are swallowed when a pet grooms/licks the dirt off itself. Coccidia infection is especially common in young animals housed in groups (in shelters, rescue areas, kennels, etc.) This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry.

Can People or Other Pets Become Infected?
While there are species of coccidia that can infect people, the Isospora species of dogs and cats are not infective to people. Other pets may become infected from exposure to infected fecal matter but it is important to note that this is usually an infection of the young (i.e. the immature immune system tends to let the coccidia infection reach large numbers where the mature immune system probably will not.) In most cases, the infected new puppy or kitten does not infect the resident adult animal.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms
Clinical signs can include watery diarrhea that is severe, weight loss, dehydration, anorexia or a decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, anemia, mental depression, and death.

Diagnosis
To diagnose coccidiosis, the examining veterinarian or veterinary technician will perform a fecal flotation examination in which a stool sample is evaluated under a microscope for the presence of parasites. Coccidia may be difficult to detect because these parasites are much smaller than the eggs passed from worms and thus can be easily overlooked.

Treatment
Commonly, treatment involves the use of drugs called sulfonamides, antibiotics that decrease the numbers of coccidia present. The drug should be given for at least 10 to 14 days. In animals that are dehydrated and sick, intravenous fluid therapy may be needed.

Prevention
The key to prevention is proper sanitation to ensure that the environment is free of feces. Once the Isospora are passed in the feces, they can quickly develop into the infective stage, so rapid removal of the feces is very important. Mature oocysts of Isospora are resistant to most cleaning products and they can survive for months to years in the environment. However, the use of strong ammonia-containing compounds may be helpful to disinfect, and steam cleaning also helps kill the infectious oocysts. Be sure to allow for adequate ventilation while cleaning the infected areas, as fumes from cleaning products can be harmful to animals and people.

Dogs and cats should not be permitted to ingest rodents, since rodents may be carriers of the parasites. The treatment of infected canine and feline mothers soon after birthing may help prevent the spread of coccidia to the young.

General Information
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract caused by microscopic organisms called coccidia. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces. It is most severe in young or weak animals and often causes bloody diarrhea.

Sanitation: Clean all bedding, housing and food pans. Remove all feces twice daily for 14 days.

Isolation: Keep your pet away from other animals for 14 days.

Diet: Feed normal diet unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian.