Coccidiosis in Dogs and Cats

Coccidiosis in Dogs and Cats is caused by Isospora canis, Isospora Rivolta and Isospora Felis. It is usually associated with other infectious agent, immunosuppression and stress.

Etiology

• Isospora canis: dog (mildly pathogenic)
• I. Rivolta: cat (pathogenic)
• I. Felis: cat (mildly pathogenic)

Risk factors

• Young puppies and kittens are more prone to infection.
• Risk factors are overcrowding and poor sanitation.
• Coccidiosis is usually associated with other infectious agent, immunosuppression and stress.

Clinical menifestations

• Clinical coccidiosis, although not common, has been reported in kittens and puppies.
• In kittens clinical signs are seen during weaning stress.
• Clinical signs in kittens are diarrhoea sometimes blood mixed, weight loss and dehydration.

Treatment

Treatment rarely practiced, because of self limiting disease in nature.

In clinically affected cats, trimethoprim-sulfonamides at 30-60 mg/kg for 6 days.

In severe cases of dogs, sulfonamides such as sulphadimethoxine at 50 mg/Kg on first day and 25 mg/kg for 2-3 weeks along with supportive fluid therapy.

Control

Removal of faeces frequently, faecal contamination of feed and water should be prevented,  disinfection of cages and utensils and insect control.