Coccidia
Overview:
This intestinal parasite is an extremely common finding in puppies and kittens. It is quite contagious and will reproduce rampantly in breeding situations or any other area where many animals are allowed to coexist.
Causes:
The parasites Isospora canis (dogs) and Isospora felis (cats) are the pathogens associated with this syndrome.
Symptoms:
Watery, mucoid diarrhea is common, but patients can also have only loose, yellowish stool that is blood-tinged. Patients that are chronically or severely infected will be lethargic and not thriving.
Treatment:
Treatment consists of an oral antibiotic for 10 days. It is common to have to repeat the 10 day dose to eradicate all of the parasite. Breeders that are chronically administering this antibiotic are potentially causing resistance. It is best to remove the puppies or kittens for several weeks while they are being medicated and bleach the entire kennel.
