Effective Treatment for Dog Coccidia Infection: Quick G

Section 1: Canine and Feline Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis in cats and dogs is a disease caused by coccidia of the Eimeriidae family, which infect the mucosal epithelial cells of the small and large intestines in these animals. Severe infections can lead to enteritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the intestinal lining.

Section 2: Epidemiology

This condition is widely prevalent in canine and feline populations, particularly affecting puppies and kittens aged 1 to 6 months. Poor sanitation and highdensity housing can lead to severe outbreaks. Infected pets and adult dogs and cats that carry the parasites are significant sources of transmission. The main route of infection is the gastrointestinal tract, where ingestion of contaminated food, water, or even insects like flies and rodents carrying coccidian oocysts can lead to illness.

Section 3: Symptoms

The primary pathogenic effect of coccidia is the destruction of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. Since both the asexual and sexual reproduction of coccidia occur within the epithelial cells, their release can cause significant damage to the intestinal lining, leading to hemorrhagic enteritis and the shedding of mucosal epithelial cells.

With mild infections, symptoms are generally absent. However, in severe cases, animals may exhibit symptoms such as mild fever, depression, decreased appetite, poor digestion, diarrhea, or bloody stools, progressive weight loss, anemia, dull coat, and stunted growth within 3 to 6 days of infection.

Section 4: Diagnosis

A diagnosis can be confirmed through clinical symptoms and fecal examinations.

Section 5: Treatment Principles

Treatment involves symptomatic supportive therapy (including止血,止泻, and nutritional and fluid supplementation) combined with specific treatment and control of secondary infections.

Specific Treatment: Sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, amprolium, and diclazuril are commonly used.

Supportive Therapy: Based on clinical symptoms and individual conditions, systemic administration of glucose, fluids, and electrolytes, along with hemostatic therapy, is provided.

Control of Secondary Infections: Antibiotics for treating intestinal infections are prescribed.

Section 6: Prevention

Ensure proper hygiene of cat utensils and regular disinfection to prevent infection.

Under veterinary guidance, administer deworming medication regularly.

Avoid contact with other animals' feces and other foreign objects during outdoor walks. Limit the frequency of walks.