Coccidia

Coccidia Resources

Information Coccidia

Coccidia (pronounciation: kok-sid’-i-uh, genus: Isospora) is a parasite of the small intestine. This single celled organism, detectable only under a microscope is transmitted similarly to other intestinal parasites, that being through fecal contaminated soil or water. Although there are other species of Coccidia that can infect humans, the species infecting dogs will not affect humans.

See also related worm information:

Coccidia Lifecycle

Sexually mature Coccidia living in the host animal’s intestines mate and release Oocysts, the first stage in this lifecycle for this protozoan, which get passed through with the feces. They then mature into infectious Oocysts by sporulating. Canines, coyotes and wolves can all pick up this parasite simply from licking a contaminated area or by eating other smaller animals that have been infected.

Once the new host has picked up the infectious Oocysts, they make their way back into the intestine where they open up into eight sporozoites. Each sporozoite burrows into an intestinal cell and reproduces until the cell bursts releasing merozoites. These merozoites then find their own instestinal cells to burrow into starting the cycle over.

Signs of Coccidia

As a result of the destruction of cells in the intestine, bloody or watery diarrhea become the telltale sign of Coccidia. Because of the loss of water, dehydration may also be noticeable.

Prevention and Treatment

A severe infection can be lethal to a young puppy, and like all parasitic infections, the chance for Coccidia infection can be reduced by maintaining hygiene in and around your home. Dispose feces to keep grounds from being contaminated, wash hands regularly and keep your dog clean. Don’t take your dog to unsanitary dog parks and make sure any meat your dog eats is well cooked. Keep kennels clean and dry.

Because this parasite is a protozoan, an adult dog’s own immune system can be enough to defend itself. For younger dogs and puppies without a fully developed immune system can benefit from an medicine called “coccidiostats”. This doesn’t kill Coccidia , as no medicine can, but it helps prevent its reproduction. This usually is enough to allow the dog’s immune system to take care of the rest.

Medications

Coccidiostats is a common treatment for protozoal infections and can be used to treat other animals besides dogs.