Coccidia or Coccidiosis

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Definition
Coccidia are tiny internal parasites (Eimeria spp) that live in the cells of the dog's intestines. The tiny oocysts containing the infective stages are passed in the feces and are picked up by other dog through contaminated feed and water. The number of parasites that invade the intestinal tract determine the severity of disease that results in the condition called coccidiosis.
Symptoms

Coccidia are considered internal parasites but are resistant and non-responsive to dewormers used for internal parasites in dog. Practically all dogs tolerate a low level of coccidia with no adverse effects. A high level of coccidia, especially in young puppies, damages the intestinal lining resulting in improper or reduced absorption of nutrients and weight loss. This damage can also result in bloody and dark diarrhea, causing dehydration and death. In some cases, very little diarrhea, if any, has been observed. Stress induced from changes in weather or sudden changes in feeding, will often result in a severe coccidia outbreak.

Fortunately coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen) have been effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy's own immunity to develop and remove the organisms. Drug treatments of five or more days are usually required.

Because coccidia is spread by the feces of carrier animals, it is very important to practice strict sanitation. All fecal material should be removed. Housing needs to be such that food and water cannot become contaminated with feces. Clean water should be provided at all times. Most disinfectants do not work well against coccidia; incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water or a 10% ammonia solution are the best methods to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing.

Cockroaches and flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to another. Mice and other animals can ingest the coccidia and when killed and eaten by a cat, for instance, can infect the cat. Therefore, insect and rodent control are very important in preventing coccidiosis.

The coccidia species of dogs and cats do not infect humans.

What are the symptoms of coccidiosis?

The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease.

What Happens Inside the Host?

The sporulated oocyst breaks open and releases eight sporozoites. These sporozoites each finds an intestinal cell and begins to reproduce inside it. Ultimately, the cell is so full of what are called “merozoites” that it bursts releasing the merozoites which seek out their own intestinal cells and the process begins again. It is important to note how thousands of intestinal cells can become infected and destroyed as a result of accidentally swallowing a single oocyst.

As the intestinal cells are destroyed in larger and larger numbers, intestinal function is disrupted and a bloody, watery diarrhea results. The fluid loss can be dangerously dehydrating to a very young or small pet.