Coccidiosis

What is Coccidosis?

Coccidiosis is actually a gut infection with coccidia as the main perpetrator. The latter is a group of parasites (specifically a one-celled protozoan) having specific species like the Isospora or the Eimeria.

How does your pet get the infection?

Because of the nature of the main offender, coccidiosis infection is made possible when all conditions are right. The parasite affects its victims via the faeco-oral pathway or from the faeces to the mouth. This means that the infective stage of coccidia resides in the stool of an animal. For the infection to occur, the victim must then ingest some of it. Nevertheless, the faeco-oral route doesn’t literally describe dogs as animals that eat faeces (if not their own then the faeces of other dogs or animals).

Although there are dogs that practice such, the parasite’s infective eggs called oocysts settles on the ground after the stool has completely decomposed. The problem with canines is that they have the common habit of sniffing any kind of stuff or surface. Once they do sniff on oocyst-rich areas, they can easily become infected with coccidia. They can also get these oocsyts when they scavenge or when they lick their own feet after walking. It’s okay for them to lick their feet if they walked on non-infected grounds. This is nonetheless one of their acceptable behaviors of grooming or cleaning themselves up. But if they happened to pass on an infected area, then they’ll be in for a lot of trouble. For the past years, it has been observed that both canines and felines are the two most common animals that fell ill with such an infection.   

What are the signs and symptoms of coccidiosis?

This condition often causes diarrhoea and enteritis which are largely attributed to parasitic development in the animal’s gut. As a result, there can be tinges of blood seen in the stool. The faeces may also become darkened because of blood coming from the upper gut areas.

Like in humans, diarrhoea is a very manageable symptom. But for younger pups, this can prove to be one of the most distressing events. This can easily cause dehydration and fluid imbalances that can lead to shock if left unmanaged. Thus, pups and kittens can easily die from such.

Similarly, animals that are under severe stress and are immune compromised can easily be infected with the said parasite. Amazingly, not all dogs that got infected with coccidia manifest the signs and symptoms. These canines become carriers that serve as the source of infected oocyst-rich stools which may be passed on to another victim.

How is it diagnosed?

Obviously, a stool exam is to be expected. Under high powered microscopes, this test reveals the presence of occysts residing within the infected faeces. If this is true then coccidiosis is most certain.

How is it treated?

Just like any other parasitic infections, coccidiosis is primarily managed using antibiotics. Dubbed as the most effective medication for this condition, sulphonamides have been used to address such a problem. 

Disclaimer

This pet health article is for reference only.

If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.