What is coccidia?
Coccidia is a microscopic parasite that can live in the intestines of both dogs and cats. It most commonly affects young or stressed animals and causes disease by invading and damaging the intestinal tissue. Unlike roundworms or whipworms, coccidia is not a worm but rather a single cell organism called a protozoa. Because it is microscopic, you will be unable to detect this infection without intervention from your veterinarian.
Is my family at risk?
Coccidia is not a zoonotic parasite, meaning it cannot be transmitted from pets to humans. This parasite can, however, be transmitted to other pets in your household so appropriate hygiene should be considered when managing infected pets.
How does infection occur?
Pets can become infected by ingesting an immature stage of the parasite from a fecal-contaminated environment or by eating infected rodents or other animals. Parasites in the immature stage are sturdy and can survive for as long as one year in the environment.
How do I know if my pet is infected?
Some pets will show no sign(s) of infection, which is why it is important for your veterinary medical team to perform two routine fecal exams a year. Some pets, especially kittens or puppies, do become noticeably ill and symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
Your veterinarian can diagnose coccidia by performing a microscopic fecal examination. Routine fecal examinations should be performed twice per year in adult dogs and cats, more often in young pets or anytime your pet is exhibiting any clinical signs.
How is coccidia treated?
Coccidia is typically treated with an oral medication over a course of several days, and sometimes even longer. In more severe cases additional supportive care may be required. A follow-up fecal exam is usually performed after treatment to ensure the coccidia infection is resolved. Sometimes due to reinfection or heavy parasite burden, repeat treatments may be required.
What can I do to protect my pet?
- Schedule twice-yearly physical exams and fecal exams for your pets.
- Treat an infected pet immediately.
- Quickly clean up after your pets to remove potentially infective material from their environment. This will help to reduce re-exposure of the same pet or transmission to other pets in the household.