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Coccidia
Lawrance D. Mahomes
Coccidia are protozoic, microscopic organisms. The forms to which the dog is a host are Isospora rivolta, I. bigeminia and I. felis. Coccidia eggs, called oocysts, can be carried by flies and are picked up by dogs as they lick themselves or eat their stools.
These parasites attack the intestinal wall and cause diarrhea. They are particularly harmful to younger puppies that have been weaned, bringing on fever, running eyes, poor appetite and debilitation as well as the loose stools.
The best prevention is scrupulous cleanliness of the puppy or dog, its surroundings and its playmates whether canine or human. Flies should be eliminated and stools removed promptly where the dog cannot touch it.
Infection can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the stool. Treatment consists of providing nourishing food, which should be force-fed if necessary, and the drug Albon. Puppies usually recover, though occasionally their teeth may be pitted as in distemper.
A dog infected once by one form develops immunity to that form but may be infected by another form.
Treatment:
ALBON® ORAL SUSPENSION 5% is approved for:
Dosage and Administration
Dogs should receive 1 teaspoonful per 10 lb of body weight (25 mg/lb or 55 mg/kg) as an initial dose, followed by 0.5 teaspoonful per 10 lb of body weight (12.5 mg/lb or 27.5 mg/kg) every 24 hours thereafter.
Precautions
• During treatment period, make certain that animals maintain adequate water intake.
• If animals show no improvement within 2 to 3 days, diagnosis should be reevaluated.
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