Pet Forum

Coccidiosis in dogs is not a very well known disease. Let's start be defining dog coccidiosis. Then we can discuss the causes, symptoms and treatments for canine coccidiosis.

What is canine coccidiosis? Coccidia (the creatures that cause coccidiosis) are small protozoa's (one-celled organisms) that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats, most commonly in kittens and puppies 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 cats and dogs, 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 we generally refer to the disease as coccidiosis. 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 cyst in the feces, but experience no ill effects.

What causes canine coccidiosis? Small protoxoa called coccidia. Some species cause diseases that result in mild symptoms that might go unnoticed (i.e., mild diarrhea) and eventually disappear, while other species cause highly virulent infections that are rapidly fatal. The causative agent is a protozoan that has the ability to multiply rapidly. The major damage is due to the rapid multiplication of the parasite in the intestinal wall, and the subsequent rupture of the cells of the intestinal lining. Several stages of multiplication occur before the final stage, the oocyst, is passed in the feces. Oocysts are extremely resistant to environmental stress and are difficult to completely remove from the environment. Oocysts are frequent contaminants of feed and water and when the sporulated oocysts are ingested by other animals they start the life cycle over in the new host.

What are the symptoms of dogs with coccidiosis? If your dog has signs of intestinal illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea, he could have Canine Coccidia. So it is very important that a dog exhibiting these symptoms be taken to his veterinarian. The veterinarian will use a fecal flotation examination to determine if the dog has Canine Coccidia and treatment will begin.

What canine coccidiosis treatments are available? You can't get rid of coccidia in a kennel short of fire or steam. Ammonia cannot reach the places it can dwell (bleach can't either) and is damaging to lungs. It is a very tough parasite. But these pups will not get coccidia if you give Marquis religiously. At 12 weeks of age dogs get a natural immunity to this parasite, so there is no need to use it over 12 weeks. It will not kill coccidia if they have and out break and is showing symptoms. You have to prevent the growth in their system until the build natural immunity.

Canine coccidiosis pictures:

__________________

Thanks for this informational article. Hello, I'm Andre and I have two dogs Jack and Jill.. Anyway if you have time try to visit http://dogdepot.org/ for more information about dog training.