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Coccidia in Dogs
Written By Grace Park
Published: 12/30/2015Updated: 06/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Coccidia?
Coccidia is a protozoa passed through the stool. An infected dog will eliminate the feces containing the organism into the environment, where it can survive for up to one year. Once the parasite is consumed by your dog, the oocysts (immature coccidia) found in the stool will make their way to the digestive tract, enter the intestinal lining cells, and reproduce. The cells then rupture, releasing the parasite. The coccidia can reproduce very rapidly, thus causing significant damage to the intestine.
Coccidiosis is the disease caused by the one-celled organism, coccidia. The organism invades and damages the intestinal wall, causing diarrhea which can become life threatening. Coccidiosis does not always show symptoms but will often cause serious complications in puppies (because they have an underdeveloped immune system) and immunosuppressed dogs.Coccidia Average Cost
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Symptoms of Coccidia in Dogs
Coccidia can be present in the intestine of your pet and remain asymptomatic. However, once symptoms begin to become evident, your canine family member can become very ill. Take your dog to the clinic without delay if you see any of the following signs.
- Watery, mucousy diarrhea
- Explosive diarrhea that may eventually become bloody
- Lethargy and weakness
- Dehydration
- Abdominal discomfort and tenderness
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Little or no appetite
It should be noted that puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems can eventually die if not treated for coccidiosis.
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
The coccidia oocyst develops in 3 to 5 days within the intestine and is capable of passing infection. The communicable offspring multiply rapidly, releasing thousand of oocytes in the stool of an infected dog.
At least four genera of coccidia affect dogs:
- Isospora canis
- Isospora neorivolta
- Isospora ohioensis
- Isospora burrowsi
Favorable conditions for the coccidia oocyst are moisture, oxygen and a warm enough temperature.
Causes of Coccidia in Dogs
Though some dogs may not show any ill signs from the coccidiosis, oocysts are still being shed in the feces, which will continue the infectious cycle when passed to their canine buddies.
- Dogs can ingest the coccidia from contaminated soil, and from hunting and eating infected rodents
- Fecal matter, or food and water that may have been contaminated by fecal matter, will also pass on the oocysts
- Coccidia is very resistant in the environment, even in freezing conditions
- Coccidiosis becomes very prevalent in conditions of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and poor nutrition
- Coccidiosis can be a common occurrence in puppy mills, shelters, and very busy breeding kennels
- Puppies who are stressed, for example after weaning or leaving the mother, may develop symptoms
Diagnosis of Coccidia in Dogs
The veterinarian will base the diagnosis on the clinical signs seen when your dog arrives at the clinic, as well as on information provided by you. The veterinary team may ask the following questions.
- What signs have you seen that indicate that your pet is ill?
- How is his appetite?
- How long has your dog had diarrhea?
- Is diarrhea becoming worse?
- Is there blood present in the stool?
- Is your dog vomiting?
- Can you describe his general demeanor of late?
After the physical examination, the veterinarian will test the stool of your pet. Results must be obtained from a sample that is less than 24 hours old, and the freshest sample you can provide is always the best.
A fecal flotation test will be done, whereby the fecal matter is mixed with a solution that causes immature parasites to float to the top. The organisms are then placed on a glass slide and examined under the microscope. The most common form of coccidia organism (Isospora canis) will be easily seen with this diagnostic procedure.
Puppies and older immunosuppressed dogs may be tested for anemia as this can be a common secondary condition to coccidiosis.
Treatment of Coccidia in Dogs
It should be noted that if you have a multi-dog family, all canine members should be treated, whether symptomatic or not, to prevent further cases of coccidia or recurrence.
If your pet is very ill when he arrives at the clinic, he may need to be admitted in order to stabilize his condition before treatment, particularly if he is dehydrated or the diarrhea is severe.
If your pet is experiencing a milder case of coccidiosis, he can be treated at home, and will be given medication to kill the parasite. Oral medication is known to be very effective. Antibiotics may be prescribed as well. If necessary, antidiarrheal drugs will be given to aid in your furry family member’s recovery.
The veterinarian will ask you to schedule an appointment for two weeks later, in order to retest for the presence of parasites.
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Recovery of Coccidia in Dogs
Complete the full prescription given to your pet, even if he appears to be feeling better. Never stop medication early, unless there are side effects that are worrying you, in which case you will need to contact your veterinary team. A change of medication could be required.
Be certain to return to the clinic for retesting of the stool, to ensure that the coccidia has been eliminated.
At home, isolate your infected dog until you know he is clear of coccidiosis to prevent transmission to other canine family members or friends. Clean up the feces in your yard thoroughly and promptly. Disinfect all crates, water bowls, feeding dishes, floors and bedding. It is a good idea to repeat the cleaning process several times while your pet is recovering from the coccidian infection.
Coccidia Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $500
Average Cost
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Coccidia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Ten Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea, Watery, Mucous, Bloody, Loss Of Appetite, Weight Loss
He is also part boxer.
He has and is being treated for ALL worms. He also has had the diarrhea for a month. Now his groin lympnodes are swollen. My concern is the lymph nodes are swollen because of diarrhea? Vet has me concerned.
We have had a sudden life and living change. He was separated from his brother and playmate. In October and our living quarters having changed drastically. So he is stressed. His name is Harley.
I don't want this to be cancer.
He was exposed to birds and rodents and killed them regularly. Please advise for a second opinion.
Thank you kindly.
Dec. 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
13 Recommendations
I'm very sorry to hear he is unwell and appreciate your concern.
Cancer at this age would be almost unheard of.
We should sample the lymph nodes and ensure he has had a full diagnostic work up (biochemistry and haematology, urine analysis, faecal exam blood film exam etc). Hopefully this will provide our answer. If not, we may consider an abdominal scan.
Dec. 16, 2020
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Terrier mix
11 weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool
My pup has coccidia and was on albon suspension 50mg/ml + 1 250 Metron
On his re heck after 9 days he still has the bacteria. I gave him 1ml 2x daily.
Vet changed to 125mg tab 1x daily. The next day diarrhea is worse. Can't reach vet. I'm panicking.
Is this normal or is something else needed.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that he is feeling better and the diarrhea is back under control. Some parasites can be very hard on the GI tract. If he is still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Coccidia Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $250 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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