Is Canine Coccidiosis something?

Question

that is frequently seen in puppies? One of my foster pups have it, and the new owners found out when they took her into their vet today.

Anyone who has experienced this? I have looked at the sites for it, and know about it.

Is this something that is vaccinated for in their vaccines, or is treated as they go?

Im only fostering 2 pups at a time, and have 1 of my own. So yes, their poo/pee is picked ASAP. I purposely only foster a few at a time, so to prevent neglect in that part, and to be able to give constant attention to them (mutilple pups would be too difficult for me).
Their mom also gave birth in a pound, so that is nowhere near as sanitary.

Answer 1

coccidia is quite common in puppies, and easily treated. Puppies are more prone to getting intestinal parasites, such as coccidia, because they don't have as strong as immune system as adults, though adults do sometimes get coccidia. I don't know of a vaccine for it. So it is best to just get fecal checks yearly to take care of any intestinal parasite. But coccidia can not be transmitted to humans, and is easily treated, so the puppy will be okay. Just be sure to get a fecal checked on your other dogs, as it can be contagious to other dogs. It is so nice to hear that you are fostering a puppy. So many dogs and puppies are in need of a foster home, as shelters fill up so quickly.

Answer 2

Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by a one-celled organism (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidia are sub-classified into a number of genera, and each genus has a number of species. Some six different genera of coccidia can infect pets. They are microscopic parasites that spend part of their life cycle in the lining cells of the intestine. Most infections are not associated with any detectable clinical signs (they are sub-clinical). Most clinical infections in pets are caused by the species Isospora canis. Cryptosporidium parvum is another coccidian parasite that may cause diarrhea in some puppies.



How did my pet become infected with coccidia?



Oocysts (immature coccidia) are passed in the stool of an infected pet. They are very resistant to environmental conditions and can survive for some time on the ground. Under the right conditions of temperature and humidity these oocysts “sporulate”. If the sporulated oocysts are ingested by a susceptible pet they will release “sporozoites” that invade the intestinal lining cells and set up cycles of infection in neighboring cells. Pets may also be indirectly infected by eating a mouse that is infected with coccidia. Coccidiosis is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since the oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of intestinal worms, a careful study must be made. Infection with some of the less common coccidial parasites is diagnosed with a blood test.



How is the coccidial infection treated?



The most common drug used to eliminate coccidia is a sulfa-type antibiotic. It is given for 10–14 days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. If the sulfa-type drug is not effective, other treatments are available. Re-infection of pets is common so environmental disinfection is important. The use of diluted chlorine bleach [1 cup (250 ml) of bleach mixed in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water] is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it.



Are the coccidial parasites of my pet infectious to humans?



The most common coccidia found in pets do not have any affect on humans. However, less common types of coccidia are potentially infectious to humans. One parasite, called Cryptosporidium, may be carried by pets or cats and may be transmitted to people. This parasite has also been found in public water supplies in some major cites. It poses a health risk for immuno-suppressed humans such as AIDS patients, those taking immune suppressing drugs, cancer patients, or the elderly.



Good hygiene and proper disposal of pet feces are important in minimizing risk of transmission of all canine parasites to humans, or to other animals.

Answer 3

There isn't a vaccination. It's an organism that lives in the digestive tract. It is easliy passed between dogs and usually seen in pups and young dogs. Meds,time and better santation are the only cures for it.

Answer 4

No it is not something that is vaccianted against. It is a parasite..a one celled parasite. It is fairly common, but is found more often in puppies/dogs that came from unclean conditions, whose mothers had it, etc. It is found when fecal tests are done just as other types of parasites are. It is treated when found.

Answer 5

My puppy had it when i recieved him, it's like worms and is very common. This can be deadly and is extremely contagious to other dogs. Please make sure you clean up your dogs poop so your other dogs are safe. My vet gave me pills for a week that don't cure it, but help the dogs immune system to fight it off, there is no cure. I wish you the best of luck

Answer 6

I hate to say this, but , the #1 cause coccidiosis is usually an unsanitary environment.

They are not vaccinated for it. Treatment is oral medicine. Prevention is clean up feces.

Answer 7

It's a parasite.
Do a general web search, there's lots of information.

Answer 8

treated as found. stool sample brought to your vet will tell. Meds are given

Answer 9

that is when your dog is born with a third nipple. it is very rare and means your dog is very lucky.