Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog's intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.
Where does coccidia in cats come from?
Coccidia infections develop when a cat swallows oocysts (immature coccidia) that are found in infected feces or any environment contaminated with infected feces. Coccidia are capable of surviving long periods of time outside of the cat's body.
Where can coccidiosis be found?
Coccidiosis is seen universally, most commonly in young animals housed or confined in small areas contaminated with oocysts. Coccidia are opportunistic pathogens; if pathogenic, their virulence may be influenced by various stressors.
Does coccidia ever go away?
Coccidia will usually go away with treatment with ponazuril or Albon. There are times that coccidia infection can recur. Because coccidia organisms are very resistant, they can persist in the environment for long periods of time.
Can dogs get coccidia from their own poop?
Dogs usually contract coccidia orally, by ingesting fecal matter. Fecal material can contaminate food and water sources, introducing the protozoa to canine hosts.
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