Cocci

What is coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is a Protozoan – a one celled animal. It is not visible to the naked eye, but is visible under a microscope. It is easy to identify in fecal flotations. Cocci usually produces infection in young kittens and puppies, but adult pets can be affected.

How is it transmitted?

Transmission occurs from animal to animal through feces that contain oocysts. Other animals can act as an intermediate or transport host. The entire life cycle lasts one week. Cocci can be found in the stools without causing any problems until a stress factor causes an outbreak.

What are the symptoms?

Diarrhea is the main sign. In severe cases the feces are mucus like and bloody. It can be complicated by a loss of appetite, weakness, dehydration and anemia.

What is the treatment?

Call us for products to help you fight the disease. If you want to do your own slides, see our section on equipment for the microscope and fecal flotation systems. We also carry a good book that will benefit you in your microscope discovery – Diagnostic Parasitology.