Coccidia are single-celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are, but coccidia are not worms and are not susceptible to deworming medications. They are also not visible to the naked eye.
Can you see coccidia?
Coccidiosis is usually diagnosed by performing a fecal flotation test to look for oocysts under the microscope. Since the oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of intestinal worms, a careful evaluation must be made.
What does coccidia look like in stool?
While you cannot see them with your naked eye, coccidia eggs are routinely detected by veterinary staff on microscopic fecal exams. They look like transparent eggs with very thin walls. Coccidia can be tricky to diagnose because a dog can be infected and not show any signs at all.
Is coccidia hard to detect?
Coccidia are microscopic and a test such as this is necessary to rule them in. It should be noted that small numbers of coccidia can be hard to detect so just because a fecal sample tests negative, this does not mean that the pet is not infected.
How do I know if my dog has coccidia?
Coccidiosis, the disease caused by coccidia, may not cause any signs in dogs but is usually more serious in puppies. The most common sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea. More severe infections can cause bloody diarrhea. Severe infections, especially in puppies, can kill them.
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