Coccidiosis - Cat & Dog

Introduction

Coccidiosis in cats and dogs is much rarer than the common disease presentation in ruminants and poultry. Transmission of coccidia is via the faeco- oral route; ingestion of the oocysts.

Isospora species of coccidia are found in the cat (two) and dog (two common and two less common). Neither are of clinical significance. Often the animal must be immunosuppressed or in very poor condition in order for the disease to occur as small numbers of oocysts are not pathogenic. Even if the faecal oocyst count is high, other causes of diarrhoea should be investigated. Both species of Isospora have little pathogenicity.

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  Isospora felis sporulated - Courtesy of the Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

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  Isospora canis - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

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  Isospora felis - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

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  Isospora felis unsporulated - Courtesy of the Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

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  Coccidia in Cat Faeces
  Joel Mills, WikiMedia Commons

Clinical Signs

Diarrhoea and weight loss. There may be anorexia and fever in severe cases.

Diagnosis

Presence of a very high number of oocysts in the faeces, plus previous exclusion of other causes of diarrhoea. History of overcrowding or unhygienic conditions may also be indicative.

Oocysts in faeces have to be distinguished from those of Toxoplasma (smaller) and Sarcocystis (sporulated or naked sporocyts in faeces).

Treatment and Control

Sulfonamthoxine or Trimethoprin are the treatment of choice in cats and dogs.

Investigation should be undertaken into living conditions of the animal, or pre-existing medical conditions that may make the animal susceptible.

References

Fox, M and Jacobs, D. (2007) Parasitology Study Guide Part 1: Ectoparasites Royal Veterinary College

Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA

Tilley, L.P. and Smith, F.W.K.(2004)The 5-minute Veterinary Consult (Third edition) Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

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