Coccidia are a common parasite that infects the intestine. Pets may contract coccidia when they come into contact with fecal-contaminated ground and then groom or lick the dirt off themselves and swallow it. Pets may also become infected if they eat a mouse who is carrying the coccidia. Coccidia is more common in young animals, particularly those housed in groups such as in kennels or shelters. Once infestation occurs, the intestinal function is disrupted, resulting in watery diarrhea which may be bloody as well. Serious dehydration can be a concern and the infection can be life-threatening, particularly to young or small pets.
Though coccidia is not visible to the naked eye, it can be detected with a routine fecal test. In fact, routine fecal tests are generally recommended for new puppies and kittens, as well as for pets with diarrhea. There is no medication to kill the coccidia, though there are medicines to inhibit coccidial reproduction to help enable the animal's immune system to then kill the coccidia. Treatment can last a week or two, but can in some cases take a month or longer. Coccidia is highly contagious among pets, but it cannot be transmitted to people. Furthermore, it is typically an infection of the young so an adult pet may not contract the infection from a young infected pet in the same household. |
