Canine (Dog) Coccidiosis

Canine (Dog) Coccidiosis is an infection of the intestinal tract caused by a one-celled organism called coccidia. Infection is usually mild, but can be damaging or life threatening to newborn animals or any animal with a weak immune system.

CAUSES OF CANINE COCCIDIOSIS:

Immature coccidian, called oocysts, are passed in the stool of an infected dog. They survive for a long time and mature if left on the ground. (Another good reason to pick up your dog’s droppings) If an animal eats the matured oocysts, they keep maturing further in the animal’s intestine.

Causes of infection are:

* Babies nursing from an infected mother
* Eating contaminated ground
* Eating an infected mouse
* Puppies less than 6 months old don’t have immunity to coccidia, and can get the disease from other infected puppies

In kennels, animal shelters infected animals should be isolated from each other.


SYMPTOMS:

Most dogs that are infected with coccidia do not display any symptoms.

Puppies and weak dogs can display the following signs:

* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting and dehydration
* Severe, watery, bloody diarrhea
* Weight loss

Quick treatment is crucial for newborn animals to prevent dangerous dehydration. If you notice dehydration or diarrhea for more than a few days, take the dog to the veterinarian.

VET DIAGNOSIS:

* Examination of a stool sample
* Review medical history
* Perform a physical exam

TREATMENTS:

Canine Coccidiosis is treatable with antibiotics.

Albon is a common medication treatment. These antibiotics disrupt the coccidian life cycle, which allows your dog’s immune system to fight and beat the infection.

The rate of recovery depends on the number of coccidia infecting your dog and strength of your dog’s immune system.

Your dog may need other medications to treat the diarrhea and dehydration. In advanced cases, hospitalization may be required for rehydration.

PREVENTION:

Keep your dog’s environment as clean as possible. Dispose of feces properly to prevent coccidiosis from spreading.

PROGNOSIS:

In most cases, coccidiosis is mild disease with a good prognosis.

Protect yourself from large vet bills…check out a Pet Insurance alternative below…

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.