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Coccidia are small protozoan's (one-celled organisms) that live in the lining of the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats, most commonly in kittens and puppies but can be found in older pets as well. Animals will start to show symptoms when the immune system is suppressed by a change in diet, atmosphere, contracting an illness, stress or in other ways.

 

Most Coccidia are of the genus called Isospora. Isospora canis and I. ohioensis are the species most often encountered in dogs; I. felis and I. rivolta are the most common in cats. Regardless of which species is present it generally refers to the disease as coccidiosis (or coccidia). As a puppy or kitten ages it tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of Coccidia. As an adult it may carry Coccidia in its intestines, shed the cysts in the feces, but experience no ill effects.

 

A puppy or kitten is not born with the Coccidia organisms in its intestine. However, once born, the puppy or kitten is frequently exposed to its mother's feces and if the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces then the young animals will likely ingest the cysts and the Coccidia will develop within their intestines. Since young puppies and kittens (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 onset of the illness is about 7-10 days. Most puppies and kittens who are ill from Coccidia are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. Although most infections are the result of being passed down from the mother at birth, this is not always the case.

 

Any infected kitten or puppy that is contagious in breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, etc., should isolate those infected from those that are not.

 

Coccidia organisms are not limited to dogs and cats. It can also be found in other animals such as kid goats, birds, cows, humans etc. (usually transmitted the same way).

 

 

The primary sign of an animal suffering with Coccidiosis is diarrhea. A puppy (sometimes older dogs) will show more symptoms:

 

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Diarrhea - (may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection)

Mucous - may be present in the stool

 

 

All of the above plus

Bloody diarrhea

Pieces of the intestinal lining may be found in the stool

Dehydration

Weak hind legs

Seizures

In some instances, death

 

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 that are ill or infected with other parasites, bacteria or viruses. Coccidiosis is very contagious, especially among young kittens and puppies. Entire kennels and catteries may become contaminated.

 

A microscopic fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a diagnosis.