05/03/2021
A case of Dog Coccidiosis.
Friskey, a 2 month old female beagle puppy, weighing only 800 grams was presented in C&C Vetcare Animal Clinic with history of soft stool and hematochezia in the past 3 days. The owner claimed that Friskey was already dewormed 4 times with appetite and active.
Faecal sample was collected and examined through direct smear method and showed the presence of sporulated and non-sporulated oocyst of Isospora spp.
Coccidiosis typically refers to gastrointestinal infections with Isospora species of coccidia. At least four different genera of coccidia can infect dogs: Isospora canis, I. ohioensis, I. neorivolta, and I. burrowsi.
How did my dog become infected with coccidia?
Your dog most likely became infected with coccidia from swallowing oocysts (immature coccidia) that are found in dog f***s and soil contaminated with f***s. Infected dogs pass oocysts in the f***s. These oocysts are very resistant to a wide variety of environmental conditions and can survive for some time on the ground. Under the right conditions of temperature and humidity, these oocysts 'sporulate' or become infective. If a susceptible dog ingests the sporulated oocysts, the oocysts will release 'sporozoites' that invade the intestinal lining cells and set up a cycle of infection in neighboring cells. Dogs may also become infected indirectly by eating a mouse that is infected with coccidia.
What kinds of problems are caused by coccidiosis?
The most common clinical sign of coccidiosis is diarrhea, but most dogs that are infected with coccidia do not have any clinical signs. When the coccidial oocysts are found in the stool of a dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. However, in puppies and debilitated adult dogs, coccidiosis may cause severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting. In severe cases, death may occur.
How is coccidiosis treated?
Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic which is usually given for 5-25 days. In severe infections, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment. If the diarrhea is severe and your dog is dehydrated, other medications and treatments, such as IV fluids, may be required. Some dogs may not require much in terms of medical treatment, depending on the severity of the condition.
Reinfection of susceptible dogs is common so environmental disinfection is important. The oocysts are very resistant to environmental conditions and disinfectants. The use of diluted chlorine bleach [one cup (250 ml) of bleach mixed in one gallon (3.8 L) of water] is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it. Be sure to test clean a small area of any affected materials since bleach can damage many surfaces. Steam cleaning may also be used to destroy oocysts. Be sure to remove any f***s as quickly as possible from the environment to prevent reinfection.
Can the coccidial parasites that my dog has infect me or my family?
The most common species of coccidia in dogs do not have any effect on humans. However, less common species of coccidia can potentially infect humans. One species in particular, called Cryptosporidium, may be transmitted to people. This parasite, which may be carried by dogs and cats, has also been found in the public water supply of some major cities. It poses a health risk for those who are immunosuppressed, such as people with HIV, people taking immune suppressing drugs, cancer patients, and the elderly.
Good hygiene and proper disposal of dog f***s are important in minimizing the risk of transmission of all canine parasites to humans or other animals.
References:
Coccidiosis in Dogs
By Debbie Stoewen DVM, MSW, RSW, PhD; Amy Panning, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM