Coccidia In Kittens

We do recommend ponazuril as the preferred treatment of coccidia in kittens in a shelter.

Coccidia in kittens. Signs symptoms of coccidia in cats because coccidia live in an animal s intestinal tract and diarrhea is one of the symptoms coccidia can be confused with intestinal worms. It most commonly causes watery mucus based diarrhea in animals. But they aren t worms at all. Those cats most likely to show symptoms of coccidiosis are young kittens those with weak immune systems or cats kept in crowded unhygienic conditions.

Change in ownership other disease present. Coccidia are small protozoans one celled organisms that multiply in the intestinal tracts of cats and dogs most commonly in kittens and puppies less than six months of age in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed or in animals who are stressed in other ways e g. These parasites live in the cells of the intestines. If left untreated coccidiosis in symptomatic kittens can lead to death.

Coccidiosis is of particular danger for kittens since their immune system is underdeveloped. There are also. While albon sulfadimethoxine is the only fda approved drug the recommended dosing schedule is to administer it for 5 21 days which can be costly both monetarily and in staff time. The most common parasite to cause coccidiosis in cats is isospora felis.

Coccidia are a group of single celled parasites called protozoa. After birth kittens can become infected from their mother with exposure to her feces especially with the tendency of kittens to explore. Kittens who are infected with coccidiosis are contagious and can infect the rest of the litter. Because kittens can be quickly affected by diarrhea and vomiting it is very important to have your little fur ball examined by a veterinarian immediately if any diarrhea and vomiting symptoms occur.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection caused by the coccidia parasite. Coccidia are a group of microscopic parasites that can cause a disease called coccidiosis in kittens and cats. Kittens are commonly diagnosed with coccidiosis but are not born with it. If the mother is shedding oocysts her babies can ingest them during nursing.

Toxoplasma and cryptosporidium are also species of coccidia but the isospora species are the ones that are most typically referred to as coccidia. Symptoms include watery stool with mucus or blood fever and in some cats neurological problems such as depression or convulsions. With appropriate and prompt treatment the prognosis is good. Veterinary attention is needed to ease symptoms and rid the cat of the parasitic infestation.

Since young kittens less than six months of age have no immunity to coccidia the organisms can reproduce in. They re microscopic parasites that live within the cells that line the intestines. In kittens coccidiosis infection can cause watery and bloody diarrhea vomiting pain and dehydration followed by rapid weight loss. Coccidia invade the gut and irritate the lining of the bowel.

This causes stomach cramps loss of appetite and poor growth in young kittens.