Coccidiosis

Question 1

What are coccidia?

Answer 1

a single-celled organism (a protozoa)

Question 2

How are pets affected by coccidia?

Answer 2

Pet are infected with coccidia from swallowing oocysts (immature coccidia) that are found in feces and any environment contaminated with feces.

Question 3

When is the finding of coccidia insignificant?

Answer 3

When found in the stools of a dog that does not have diarrhea

Question 4

What are the signs of coccidiosis?

Answer 4

often asymptomatic and transient, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), weight loss, and dehydration

Question 5

How is coccidiosis treated?

Answer 5

a sulfa-type antibiotic called sulfadimethoxine, feces should be removed frequently, Cleaning at high temperatures is the best option for utensils and toys. Wash bedding on the ‘HOT’ cycle in your washing machine with bleach

Question 6

Is coccidia zoonotic?

Answer 6

The most common species of coccidia ( Isospora) do not infect humans. However, Cryptosporidium may be transmitted to people, especially those with compromised immune systems. Cryptosporidium has also been found in public water supplies in some major cities. Another organism, Toxoplasma, is of particular concern to pregnant women because of the potential to cause birth defects.