COCCIDIOSIS

What is coccidiosis? :

Intestinal tract infections in puppies (usually less than six months of age), adult dogs with suppressed immune systems or animals under stress is often caused by coccidia. Coccidia are microscopic, spore-forming, single cell organisms (protozoans) that must live and reproduce (multiply) within an animal cell.

Coccidia is detectable on a routine fecal exam in the same way worms are, but coccidia are not worms and cannot be treated with deworming medications. It is one of the most prevalent protozoal infections in North America, second only to giardia. This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry.

The dog/puppy is infected thru the ingestion of oocyst infected tissue or feces. These oocyst stays in the small intestine liberating sporozoite contained within the oocyst. There they begin to multiply. The oocyst are passed in feces. The ground becomes infected, they are extremely resistant to environmental stress and are difficult to remove from the environment. They can be swallowed when a pet grooms/licks the dirt off itself. In some cases, sporulated oocysts are swallowed by mice and can infect the dog/puppy when it eats the mouse. Puppies are frequently exposed to there mother feces and if the mother is shedding the cyst they will likely ingest them. Young puppies are frequently infected with coccidiosis even those purchased from a diligent breeder. Typically healthy adult animals shed the oocysts in their feces and because of their developed immune systems it does not affect them. However puppies’ immune systems are undeveloped and makes them more susceptible. The susceptibility of animals to coccidiosis varies. The ingestion of oocyst may not produce coccidiosis. Some animals carry them without being affected. Recovered animals may develop immunity and seem to be partially resistant to reinfection.

The onset of illness is about 13 days from exposure.

Symptoms of coccidia:

Symptoms may appear shortly following stresses such as:

● severe weather changes

● changes in dog food

● puppies that are weaning

● long automobile or plane ride

● moving to a new home and new owners (this will usually occur within the first 13 days of arriving at their new home, if the new owners have had the puppy for longer than this, they were most likely exposed after arrival at their new home.

A watery, jelly like or bloody diarrhea is the most common of symptoms. However they may vomit, lose their appetite and become dehydrated and die (in severe cases). Most cases are generally mild.

Treatment of coccidiosis:

Sulfadimethoxine and trimethoprimsulfadiazine are the most common medications used and have been effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. These drugs do not kill the organisms, but inhibits reproduction. Permanent damage to the intestinal tract is rare and the dog will most likely make a complete recovery. Medications may need to be given for 10 days - a month for effectiveness. Sanitize all areas with ammonia disinfectants and isolate the sick puppy/dog from other pets.

Prevention:

We at Maple Leaf Chihuahuas treat as a prevention with sulfadimethoxine. We start a treatment when puppies are weaning and about five days prior to shipping. This is given as a precaution only to help the prevention of coccidiosis.