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.
