Coccidiosis In Kittens Treatment

A fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis for this infection.
Coccidiosis in kittens treatment. Treatment is generally outpatient. The merck veterinary manual suggests a treatment with sulfonamide antibiotics for a period of six days but depending on the infection your veterinarian may recommend a one to two week antibiotic treatment. Our rescue is a foster network and we have problems with coccidiosis in kittens several times each year. It should be mentioned that stress plays a role in the development of coccidiosis.
The coccidiosis infection is of particular danger for kittens since their immune systems are still underdeveloped. Once the kitten consumes the cyst the protozoa multiply in the pet s intestines. If the mother cat passes stools that contain coccidiosis cysts the kittens will most likely come in contact with these cysts and ingest them. Coccidiosis is very contagious especially among young kittens.
Infected kittens are also able to pass on the condition to. The coccidium parasite will be readily visible under microscopic examination. If your cat has an upset tummy then get her checked by a vet. Kittens generally contract this infection when they consume contaminated feces.
You should also bathe your cat on the first and last day of treatment to kill any oocysts on its fur. However in kittens and debilitated adult cats coccidiosis can cause severe watery diarrhea dehydration abdominal distress and vomiting. Treatment for kittens affected by coccidiosis includes supportive care for example fluid therapies to combat dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea and antibiotic treatment. The vet we work with most often wants to treat coccidiosis with a 10 day or more course of.
Cats are frequently reinfected from the environment so disinfection is important. Kittens are commonly diagnosed with coccidiosis. Also steam clean your home to kill any oocysts that have been carried around the house by your cat. To treat coccidiosis in a cat clean out your cat s litter box every day and wipe it down with an ammonia based disinfectant twice a week so your cat is less likely to reinfect itself.
The most common drug used to treat coccidiosis is a sulfa class antibiotic sulfadimethoxine. But remember the best coccidia treatment for cats requires maintaining good hygiene along with medication. Kittens are especially vulnerable given their weak immune systems and may quickly become dehydrated. It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy kitten to arrive at his new.
Probiotics prebiotics and special diets may also be needed but while coccidia is a very common parasite in cats. Entire catteries may become contaminated with kittens of many age groups simultaneously affected.