Severe Coccidiosis In Kittens

In kittens coccidiosis infection can cause watery and bloody diarrhea vomiting pain and dehydration followed by rapid weight loss.

Severe coccidiosis in kittens. Kittens and older cats that are stressed or have a weak immune system are more likely to be affected by coccidia 1 2. Coccidia are small protozoans one celled organisms that multiply in the intestinal tracts of cats and dogs most commonly in kittens and puppies less than six months of age in adult animals whose immune systemis suppressed or in animals who are stressed in other ways e g. If it is not treated over time it can cause damage to the lining of a cat s intestinal tract. We are familiar with terms such as.

Symptoms of coccidia are usually seen in kittens less than 6 months of age or adult cats with weak immune systems but coccidia can be present in cats of any age and breed. In kittens and debilitated adult cats coccidiosis may cause severe watery diarrhea dehydration abdominal distress and vomiting most cats that are infected with coccidia do not have diarrhea or any other clinical signs. Change in ownership other disease present. Before going into more detail it s important to realize that diarrhea is a symptom rather than a diagnosis in its own right.

Veterinary attention is needed to ease symptoms and rid the cat of the parasitic infestation. These often cause an intestinal tract infection called coccidiosis 1 2. Coccidiosis can be easily treated if feline coccidia are detected early and medication is prescribed. If left untreated coccidiosis in symptomatic kittens can lead to death.

Coccidia are a group of single celled parasites called protozoa. What exactly is coccidia and how serious is the problem. The most common parasite to cause coccidiosis in cats is isospora felis. Thus any cat with diarrhea especially a young kitten should be checked by a vet to get to the bottom excuse the pun of the problem what is a coccidian infection.

Coccidia are a group of single celled protozoa found within the intestinal lining of kittens and cats. Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection caused by the coccidia parasite. However coccidiosis may cause severe watery diarrhea dehydration abdominal distress and vomiting. It most commonly causes watery mucus based diarrhea in animals.

Many cats can be infected with coccidia but show no symptoms.