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Coccidia (kok-sid'-i-uh)
- A parasite of the small intestine. Infection
with coccidia is spread through stool or contaminated
soil or water. Commonly seen in the young puppy
or kitten, especially if raised in a kennel environment
or housed in a large group (as in an animal shelter).
Unlike "worms", this parasite is considered
a "protozoan", and because of this, the body
can often times mount an immune defense against it.
This usually occurs in adults. The young pup and
kitten usually develop diarrhea because of the immaturity
of their immune systems.
Diagnosis is through microscopic examination of
the stool sample.
Treatment - Medication given by mouth at specific
times during the parasites life cycle.
Giardia (je-ar'-de-ah)
- A protozoan parasite occurring in the small
intestine. Giardia commonly spreads through
contaminated water, and is common to see in the young
puppy and kitten.
Diagnosis is through microscopic examination of
a fresh stool sample.
Treatment - Medication given by mouth at specific
times during the parasite's life cycle.
Hookworms - A parasite
of the small intestines. Hookworms feed on the
blood of the intestinal lining, and can cause diarrhea
with or without blood in the stool. Puppies and
kittens are most susceptible to their affects, and
anemia (loss of the red blood cells) can occur,
which can be life threatening. In fact, if not
detected and treated soon enough, the puppy or kitten
may die from blood loss. Sometimes blood transfusions
are necessary to save the puppy or kitten. Adult
animals are more resistant to the blood loss effects
of hookworms, but can still become anemic, and can die
as a result.
Spread of this parasite is by eating stool or infected
soil.
Diagnosis is through microscopic examination of
the stool.
Treatment - Medication given by mouth at specific
times during the parasite's life cycle.
Roundworms - A parasite
of the small intestine. This parasite most commonly
affects puppies, resulting in diarrhea, but can occur
in kittens and adult dogs and cats. Pregnant dogs
transfer this parasite to their offspring before giving
birth.
Spread is also from eating stool or infected
soil. Roundworms feed on the nutrients in
the intestinal tract, and can cause a bloated appearance
in puppies and kittens. Diarrhea is the most common
symptom.
Diagnosis is through microscopic examination of
the stool.
Treatment - Medication given by mouth at specific
times during the parasite's life cycle.
Whipworms - This parasite
commonly inhabits the large intestine of the
dog and cat. Infection can result in signs of diarrhea
relative to colitis.
Spread is through stool or infected
soil.
Diagnosis is through microscopic examination of
the stool sample. Often times this parasite is
very difficult to diagnose, as the eggs are infrequently
produced.
Treatment - Medication given by mouth at specific
times during the parasite's life cycle. If suspected
in the patient, treatment can be done even if the parasite
has not been detected in the stool.
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