How is canine coccidiosis diagnosed?
Coccidiosis in canines is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since the oocysts are much smaller than the eggs of intestinal worms, a careful study must be made. Infection with some of the less common coccidial parasites is diagnosed with a blood test. How is the coccidial infection treated? The most common drug used to eliminate coccidia is a sulfa-type antibiotic. It is given for 1014 days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. If the sulfa-type drug is not effective, other treatments are available. Re-infection of dogs is common so environmental disinfection is important. The use of diluted chlorine bleach [1 cup (250 ml) of bleach mixed in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water] is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it. Are the coccidial parasites of my dog infectious to humans? The most common coccidia found in dogs do not have any affect on humans. However, less common types of coccidia are potentially infe
