Coccidia are single-celled organisms that infect the intestine of dogs and cats.  They are transmitted by ingesting an oocyst (the infective stage of the Coccidia), which are found in feces-contaminated ground.  Ingesting an infected rodent--such as a mouse, can also cause infection.  Coccidia oocysts are very difficult to kill, and can live up to a year in the environment, so maintaining good sanitation is very important.

  Coccidia infections are very common, especially in young animals that are housed in groups like an animal shelter, breeding kennel etc.  It usually causes illness and voluminous watery diarrhea in young animals, whereas older animals do not seem to become ill from it.  In some youngsters, Coccidia can actually make them very ill and lethargic.  Adult

  There is a little bit of controversy on the treatment of Coccidia.  Some veterinarians advocate only treating animals that are ill with the Coccidia, others believe all infections should be treated.  The medication used to treat the infection is geared to slow down the infection long enough that the pet’s immune system gets the chance to eliminate the infection.

  We elect to treat most all of the pets we diagnose with Coccidia, unless there is a contraindication to using the antibiotic in that individual patient.