Coccidiosis Dogs

There are four types of coccidiosis dogs that can be contracted (lsospora canis, ohioensis, eorivolta, and I. burrowsi). It is usually found in puppies under 1 year of age and is usually not serious. Up to 72% of dogs have some sign of coccidian in their feces.

After contracting the disease, protozoa enters the dog's intestine and begins to rapidly multiply. The protozoa then form an egg which is released from the dog in the feces. This cycle continues for up to 14 days before it stops.

Stress is a common cause of this disease which is why it is commonly seen in puppies that are brought into a new home. If the puppy gets the disease in under 13 days, it probably caught coccidiosis in the kennel or puppy farm. If greater than 13 than it was caught in the home.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis

In addition to cough, dogs may have soft or watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and with the diarrhea, dehydration.

Since these symptoms are consistent with other diseases, it is difficult to diagnose. Even having eggs in the feces is not a guarantee that your dog as this problem.

Diagnosis of Coccidiosis

Although not 100% accurate, an examination of feces will reveal whether any of the eggs (oocyst) are present.

Treatment for Coccidiosis

There are two prescription drugs, sulfadimethoxine (Albon©) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen©) that are effective in both the treatment and prevention of coccidian. These drugs do not kill the organisms. They stop their ability to reproduce, so the disease take time to leave the intestine. This also allows for a dog's own immune system to remove the remaining organisms.