Mission
Animal Clinic and Coccidiosis
Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143
COCCIDIA are protozoan
(one-celled) organisms that can infect the intestine.
The disease, “coccidiosis,” most often affects young puppies and
kittens, but can infect animals of any age.
It is seen most often in puppies and kittens that come from places where
large numbers of animals are together, such as pet stores and animal shelters.
Older animals often do not show clinical signs of the disease unless they become stressed. Even though no clinical signs may be present, if the pet is infected, it can still be a “carrier” capable of spreading the infection to other animals.
CLINICAL
SIGNS of the disease include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and loss of
appetite.
Central nervous system signs, such
as seizures, can be seen in the advanced cases.
Be aware this disease may severely weaken the pet making it more
susceptible to other diseases at the same time or in the near future.
DIAGNOSIS
of coccidiosis is confirmed by finding oocysts (eggs) of the organism in the
bowel movements. Sometimes it is
found on routine internal parasite examination even though the pet does not show
clinical signs of diarrhea.
The
disease is spread and contracted by animals licking their feet after the feet
have been contaminated or eating out of contaminated food dishes or water bowls.
For this reason, sanitation is a very important aspect of control.
CONTROL
of the disease is through the maintenance of GOOD
HYGEINE & SANITATION. Food dishes should be washed daily.
It is important to maintain a sanitary environment by removing all pet
stools from the area on a daily basis.
PROGNOSIS
is good provided treatment is initiated fairly early.
Severely dehydrated pets require
very intensive therapy to be saved from death.
TREATMENT
requires specific drugs. Good
nursing care and fluid consumption are also very important.
Please follow the below listed home care instructions:
16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 818-363-8143
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