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How serious is Coccidiosis?
My 2 new puppies were just diagnosed with coccidiosis. The Vet was not in but the tech who was there gave me some antibiotic called Albon. Is this condition life-threatening? Also do I need to get rid of their chew toys?
Thanks, Ghilly and Margot....i will take the chew sticks up immediately. They do seem to be feeling much better. I'll try to do everything I can to be sure they don't get re-infected.
Ghilly has given you good advice. Cocci can be very hard to clear up. It is important that you thoroughly clean whatever you can and disinfect their food and water bowls daily. I don't know where they go to the bathroom but it would be wise to try to contain them to a designated area. If it is a hard surface like cement, etc, you can use a diluted solution of bleach and water to put on that area, let it sit for a while then rinse off. You need to keep your hands washed also.
I agree with no chew toys, exp rawhide.
I agree with no chew toys, exp rawhide.
I would definitely get rid of the chew toys, but not just because of possible coccidia contamination. Seven week old puppies' digestive systems are not equipped to deal with rawhide. They are just getting used to eating solid foods, being newly weaned, and shouldn't have rawhide until they are about six months old or so. Nylabones or Gumabones are a much safer option for chew toys at this age.
If the infestation of coccidia is big enough, it MAY flare up again, but as long as you keep them on the Albon for the prescribed length of time everything should be fine. :)
Ghilly
If the infestation of coccidia is big enough, it MAY flare up again, but as long as you keep them on the Albon for the prescribed length of time everything should be fine. :)
Ghilly
Thanks so much for the info... they are 7-week old Great Pyrenees and so cuddly and sweet. The chew toys I got are the rawhide sticks (the larger ones so they don't stick them down their throats) and one of those hard rubber-entwined balls. I was worried about them being contaminated with the coccidia. Can that flare up again or will they now be pretty much immune to it?
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Albon is the medication of choice for bringing coccidiosis under control. Sometimes it requires two courses of the drug, depending on how out-of-control the bacteria are, but Albon usually does the trick. The important thing is to make sure your puppies have plenty of water on hand while they have diarrhea so they don't dehydrate.
The main danger from coccidiosis is from dehydration. If you can keep that under control until the Albon does its job, you've got it licked. If you notice the puppies aren't drinking as much as you would like them to, try to entice them with broths or Gatorade or some flavored drinks (that don't contain sugar) to make sure they stay hydrated. What kind of chew toys do they h have? How old are the puppies?
Ghilly