Condition3 connections · 1 source
Coccidia
Single-celled intestinal parasites (Cystoisospora) causing watery, sometimes bloody diarrhea, especially in young animals.
Key Facts
- Microscopic parasites detected on routine fecal tests
- Not worms — not susceptible to dewormers
- Oocysts become infective in 12-36 hours after shedding
- Common in young animals housed in groups (shelters, kennels)
- Sulfa drugs are traditional coccidiostats (inhibit reproduction)
- Ponazuril and toltrazuril kill coccidia outright in few doses
- Dog and cat species cannot infect people or each other