Coccidiosis In Kittens

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

Coccidiosis in kittens. Those cats most likely to show symptoms of coccidiosis are young kittens those with weak immune systems or cats kept in crowded unhygienic conditions. Since young kittens less than six months of age have no immunity to coccidia the organisms can reproduce in. The most common parasite to cause coccidiosis in cats is isospora felis. Coccidia invade the gut and irritate the lining of the bowel.

If the mother cat passes stools that contain coccidiosis cysts the kittens will most likely come in contact with these cysts and ingest them. 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. In kittens coccidiosis infection can cause watery and bloody diarrhea vomiting pain and dehydration followed by rapid weight loss. Risk factors for coccidiosis include age young kittens at least 2 weeks of age but typically less than 6 months 1 stress always a challenge in a shelter and coinfection with other parasites.

It most commonly causes watery mucus based diarrhea in animals. This causes stomach cramps loss of appetite and poor growth in young kittens. 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. With appropriate and prompt treatment the prognosis is good.

Felis which is the most common form of coccidiosis in cats does not affect humans. Transmission of coccidiosis kittens generally contract this infection when they consume contaminated feces. If left untreated coccidiosis in symptomatic kittens can lead to death. If it is not treated over time it can cause damage to the lining of a cat s intestinal tract.

The most common clinical signs in severe cases are diarrhea sometimes bloody weight loss and dehydration. However it is possible to become infected with toxoplasmosis from cats which is of particular risk to pregnant women or people with suppressed immune systems. Kittens who are infected with coccidiosis are contagious and can infect the rest of the litter. Veterinary attention is needed to ease symptoms and rid the cat of the parasitic infestation.

It is also possible to catch cryptosporidium from an infected cat. Kittens are commonly diagnosed with coccidiosis but are not born with it. Change in ownership other disease present. Coccidiosis is of particular danger for kittens since their immune system is underdeveloped.

Once the kitten consumes the cyst the protozoa multiply in the pet s intestines. Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection caused by the coccidia parasite. Usually coccidiosis is associated with other infectious agents immunosuppression or stress. After birth kittens can become infected from their mother with exposure to her feces especially with the tendency of kittens to explore.

Coccidia are a group of single celled parasites called protozoa. 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.