Diseases of the digestive system of cats caused by protozoa. Coccidiosis in cats. Causes and treatment of Coccidiosis in cats, symptoms and treatment

Pet owners often encounter cases of diarrhea in their pets. As a rule, there is nothing wrong with this; poor quality food or other forms of eating disorders are to blame. But sometimes coccidiosis in cats is to blame.

It is believed that at least a third of all animals in the world have coccidiosis, but in this third it is asymptomatic and the clinical picture does not manifest itself. But this continues as long as the cat’s immune system is normal. Any infection or severe stress can lead to the rapid development of acute coccidiosis. But even otherwise, the cat is a lifelong carrier of the infection, constantly releasing the primary form of the pathogen into the external environment, which contributes to the infection of healthy animals.

Very young, very old, sick and debilitated cats are most susceptible. For kittens, coccidiosis is contagious in almost 100% of cases, and it is for young animals that this disease poses a particular danger, since severe dehydration is fatal at this age. But the danger of pathology lies not only in this.

People are also known to get coccidiosis. So does a sick animal pose a danger to humans? In fact, the question is not easy. On the one hand, in humans the disease is caused by other types of coccidia, on the other, there are known cases of cats being affected by “human” microorganisms. Therefore, there is a certain probability of reverse transfer.

But even in this case, there is no need to worry too much: feline pathogens in the intestines of people feel “uncomfortable”, and therefore it will probably not reach the clinical form of the disease. Which, however, does not negate the need to isolate a sick cat from the elderly and children, especially infants.

Incubation period, clinical picture

The incubation period is believed to range from 7 to 9 days, although some authors write about two weeks. It is possible that both points of view are correct, since the development time of cysts that enter the body directly depends on the physiological state of the animal, its age, gender, the presence/absence of chronic diseases of the digestive system, and the characteristics of the food used.

What are the symptoms of coccidiosis in cats? It all starts with diarrhea! At first, the stool becomes watery, but with a mild flow, that’s all it ends. If the disease reaches a severe stage, blood and thick mucus appear in the tray, and profuse, watery diarrhea is possible. Sick animals are depressed, exhaustion gradually develops, there is a deterioration in the condition of the coat and skin, which becomes less elastic, resembling parchment to the touch.

Treatment and prevention

What is the treatment for coccidiosis in cats? Firstly, a sick animal (or animals) must be urgently isolated from healthy ones. The entire contents of the tray are burned. If this is not possible, then you need to pack it in sealed plastic bags. This is a good prevention of the spread of the disease.

Secondly, the symptoms of dehydration and exhaustion must be addressed urgently. Ideally, for this, buffer solutions are administered intravenously, as well as isotonic glucose. If you need to treat a kitten whose veins are already microscopic, you have to resort to subcutaneous administration of the same compounds, even if this method is not so effective.

Cats are one of the best hunters in nature. They live all over the world, and some have adapted to extremely harsh weather conditions in places like Norway and Siberia. This, however, does not mean that they are indomitable. Felines can contract a variety of diseases. Many of them are similar to those that occur in humans.

There are different types of coccidia. Isospora Rivolta and – the most common.

How often does it occur?

Can a person become infected with coccidiosis?

Yes and no. The most common types of coccidia cannot be transmitted to humans. But some rarer types, e.g. Cryptosporidium, easily enter the intestines.

Coccidia is usually very common in overcrowded shelters and stray animals due to lack of hygiene and healthcare.

Causes of the disease

As a microorganism, coccidia can be acquired by a cat after it has been in contact with an infected individual. This usually occurs when a kitten comes into contact with the excrement of a stray wild animal, or if it shares a litter box with an infected domestic cat.

It is also possible to get coccidiosis if a cat eats an infected animal - a rodent or bird.

Finally, coccidiosis can be passed on to a newborn kitten from its mother.

It is possible to see symptoms only after the infection affects the kitten. What happens when infected?

Diarrhea.
Mucus in the stool.
Dehydration.
Vomit.
Abdominal distress.
Death.

As mentioned above, an animal can be infected even without showing the telltale symptoms of infection. If you suspect something is wrong, monitor how the animal behaves.

If any of the above signs are present, you should contact your veterinarian. Describe the problem as clearly as possible and take your cat to the doctor as soon as possible. If you adopted a kitten from a shelter and it has never been tested before, it may be infected with coccidiosis, even if it has not been exposed to animals near your home.

Treatment methods

Coccidiosis can be cured if the infection is detected early. The veterinarian will create a treatment plan to remove coccidia from the kitten's body. It is necessary to strictly follow the plan to prevent further spread of the infection.

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for recovery. The infection will most likely lead to dehydration from diarrhea, the most dangerous part of the disease. In this case, the doctor often puts in an IV. Changing the diet is also possible if the veterinarian deems it necessary.

While implementing your treatment plan, you must also monitor your own health. It is better to use disposable gloves when cleaning the tray. You should be careful with everything you touch or inhale, regardless of the type of coccidia your cat has. If you adopted a kitten from a breeder or another owner, you should immediately notify the previous owner. There is a possibility of the infection spreading in the same place.

Prevention

Cleanliness is the main rule for preventing infection. You should clean the litter box as often as possible, at least in the morning and evening. Disinfect the tray and everything around it. If possible, do not let your pets leave the house, so they will not become infected by rodents and birds. Feed your cats a high-quality food to keep their health and immune system healthy.

Wash water and food bowls every day. Minimize incoming stress. If one cat in your home shows symptoms of illness, treatment should be started for all cats.

The main thing for the owner is to help the pet get better as quickly as possible. But when a doctor talks about the contagious nature of the disease, it is difficult for the average person to understand the difference between viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Conditionally infectious diseases are divided into parasitic (invasive) and infectious. Protozoa are single-celled parasites.

Diseases of cats caused by protozoa are called protozoa. Most of them are dangerous to humans.

Toxoplasmosis is reported on all continents. The presence of natural foci and periodic outbreaks of the disease is characteristic. In Russia it is found in St. Petersburg, in the Leningrad region.

From a sick animal, Toxoplasma is isolated everywhere:

co ;
discharge from the eyes, nose, genitals;
with urine and feces.

Symptoms of the acute form of toxoplasmosis appear 2-3 days after infection:

In females - abortion in the first half of pregnancy, the birth of a non-viable litter, kittens with congenital deformities (hydrocephalus, underdevelopment of limbs).
Body temperature rises to 41 °C, severe trembling and depression (the cat does not eat or drink).
and purulent rhinitis.
Persistent diarrhea with the release of blood and mucus, vomiting, abdominal pain on palpation.
Mucous membranes are pale or bluish.
Tachycardia and rapid breathing.
Convulsions, paralysis.

The acute form of the disease can lead to death. The chronic course is characterized by exhaustion of the animal, diarrhea, unstable appetite and fever. In cats, toxoplasmosis can occur completely latently, without causing any symptoms.

Infected animals excrete immature oocysts in their feces. They must “ripen” in the external environment for 3-4 days, after which they become infectious. The participation of an intermediate host is not required. Oocysts remain dangerous for up to 2 years and are resistant to disinfectants, so the disease is widespread.

Symptoms of isosporosis appear a week after infection:

with the release of mucus and blood, a characteristic sign is orange or red color of feces.
The abdomen is painful and tense.
Decreased or complete absence of appetite.
Depression, lethargy.
Polyuria, dark urine with an unpleasant odor.
Severe dehydration and exhaustion.
Increase in temperature (not always).

Without laboratory tests, a doctor may confuse the acute form of isosporosis with or.

Eimeriosis (coccidiosis)

Coccidia of the genus Eimeria live inside the epithelial cells of the small intestine. Only kittens are affected, and adult animals can be asymptomatic carriers. Infection occurs through water or feed. The disease is more common in southern Russia.

Symptoms usually appear 2 weeks after infection and are associated with mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa and the accumulation of secondary microflora. Digestion is disrupted, absorption of nutrients becomes impossible, which leads to constant starvation.

The signs of coccidiosis are the same as those of isosporosis, but young animals are sick, severely stunted and losing weight.

Giardiasis

The disease is caused by Giardia canis. Infection occurs with water and food. Giardia does not live inside cells, attaching to the intestinal villi from the outside.

Examination of feces for the presence of oocysts

A scatological examination (using the Fulleborn or Darling method) is carried out three times, every 2-3 days, since oocysts are not released regularly or in insufficient quantities.

Linked immunosorbent assay

To diagnose giardiasis, there is a rapid test (the answer will be in 5-10 minutes), feces are examined using the ELISA method.

Polymerase chain reaction

Treatment of protozoa

In addition to fighting the causative agent of the disease (protozoa), it is necessary to eliminate dehydration and nutritional deficiencies in the body.

Subcutaneous or intravenous injections of solutions are used: Ringer's, 5% glucose, Refortan, Reamberin.
In case of severe exhaustion, solutions for parenteral nutrition containing amino acids are indicated - Infezol, Duphalight. Use multivitamins (Hemobalance).
Astringents and enveloping agents are prescribed internally - flax seed decoction, rice decoction.
In case of severe damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, sorbents are used - Phosphalugel, Enterosgel, Polypefan.
If the doctor suspects that a pathogenic microflora caused by damage to the intestinal mucosa has joined the protozoa, an antibiotic or metronidazole (Trichopol) is prescribed.

Diet

If the cat has previously eaten a commercial diet, special diets are used to maintain the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: i/d; GastroIntestinal and others.
If you are used to homemade food, use liquid slimy rice porridge with boiled beef and fermented milk products.

Feed should be easily digestible and not irritate the digestive tract.

Prevention of protozoa

Remove feces in a timely manner, disinfect animal care items, and maintain cleanliness in the premises.
Isolation from stray dogs and cats.
Do not feed raw meat and offal.
Avoid eating rodents (in house keeping, a bell on the collar when kept outdoors).

Conclusion

It is very important to differentiate diarrhea caused by protozoa from viral or bacterial enteritis. The sooner the necessary research is done, the faster the cat can recover.

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Coccidiosis in dogs is a common disease caused by protozoa. Such common symptoms as diarrhea in puppies, growth retardation, poor digestibility of food, streaks of blood in the feces, vomiting, high mortality in young animals, alternating diarrhea and constipation in adult dogs, lethargy, apathy - the reasons for which the diagnosis of acute viral infection is made, worms or dysbacteriosis, although very often this pathology is to blame.

About coccidiosis

The causative agent of coccidiosis is quite widespread in industrial animal husbandry, as well as among domestic non-productive animals (according to research, up to 55% of cats and dogs are susceptible to infection), which is due to the following:

In addition to the most common name, you can often find similar ones: “isosporosis” or “eimeriosis”, which is associated with synonymous terms for the names of the pathogen (isospora and eimeria). Since "coccidia" is the name of the order, "eimeriide" is the name of the family, and "eimeria" and "isospora" are the names of the genus.

Due to the fact that coccidiosis in dogs is caused by representatives of the isospora genus (Isospora Canis, I. Ohioensis, I. Neorivolta, I. Burrowsi), the corresponding term is most often used in foreign sources. And the last three types of pathogens are called “ohiensis complex” (due to certain similarities and difficulties in distinguishing).

Spreading

Isosporosis in dogs, as already mentioned, is a widespread pathology (from 10 to 60% of animals in different regions). Infection occurs when the pathogen enters the mouth of a healthy individual (nutritional).

Sources of infection are:

Feces of sick animals (especially those with coprophagy, which is often observed in metabolic disorders).
Contaminated care items (bowls, toys, etc.).
Water containing pathogen spores.
Contaminated feed.
Fur (by licking) and contaminated nipples of nursing bitches (puppies become infected when nursing by their mother).

Puppies are most susceptible from two weeks of age to six months. Adult dogs rarely get sick, most often being carriers. But if certain conditions arise, the carrier state can turn into an active form of the disease, and vice versa - a puppy that is in good condition (fatness, proper feeding, good immunity) may not get sick even if infected.

Coccidia spores are very resistant to many external influences and disinfectants. They die most quickly (in 7–10 seconds) under the influence of high temperatures (from 80 to 100 degrees).

Insects (flies), rodents (mice, rats) and birds can be mechanical carriers of the pathogen.

Factors contributing to the development of the disease

In both puppies and adult carrier animals, the development of the disease is facilitated by factors that weaken the immune system:

Unbalanced (vitamins and minerals, protein overfeeding) or insufficient feeding.
Sudden change of food.
Abrupt transition from breastfeeding to independent feeding.
Stress (change of owners or place of residence, transportation, participation in exhibitions, etc.).
Hypothermia (drafts, sudden temperature changes, etc.).
Unsanitary conditions of detention.
Helminthic infestations.
Other infectious diseases.

Animals that have recovered from the disease develop stable immunity, but they can remain carriers for life.

The role of stress in the development of pathology is evidenced by the fact that very often the peak incidence in puppies occurs in the first three weeks following the move to a new place of residence (new owners).

Manifestation of the disease (symptoms)

The interval from the moment of infection to the manifestation of pathology (incubation) can range from three days to two weeks. This depends on the degree of infection and the condition of the infected organism. In children, the disease most often occurs in an acute form, and in adult dogs – in a chronic form. In addition, there are intestinal, hepatic and mixed forms of the pathology.

Symptoms of the acute form of the disease

Lethargy, depression.
An increase in temperature may occur, although most often it remains within the normal range, and with the development of pathology it may decrease.
Diarrhea, feces with mucus and blood.
Vomit.
Intestinal bloating (flatulence).
An increase in the volume of the abdomen (due to an enlargement of the liver and gallstones, as well as due to bloating of the intestines).
With the development of pathology, exhaustion is observed.
Dehydration (dehydration) develops.
The coat becomes dull and disheveled.
Nervous system disturbances (convulsions and muscle tremors) may occur.
Anemia of the mucous membranes (pallor) may also develop.
High probability of death (especially in small puppies).

Manifestations of the chronic form of the course

Animal fur loses its shine and becomes dull.
Vomiting may occur periodically.
Diarrhea may alternate with constipation.
Progressive exhaustion begins to appear.
Weakness and apathy appear.
Dysbacteriosis develops.
Pathogenic microflora (staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and others) are actively developing in the intestines, which were previously opportunistic.
Against the background of a weakened immune system, other pathologies may develop, as well as helminthic infestation.

With a long course of the disease, destruction of the intestinal mucosa occurs, impaired absorption of nutrients, and the development of necrosis. This leads to stunted growth in young animals, decreased immunity, increased intoxication, and complicates treatment (most drugs act in the intestinal lumen without affecting pathogens localized in the intestinal wall). And even after complete recovery, intestinal functions may be impaired for a long time (additional restorative therapy is required), which in general will be important for the entire subsequent life of the puppy. Therefore, with a disease such as isosporosis in dogs, treatment should begin when the first clinical signs of the disease appear (the earlier, the more effective) and special attention should be paid to prevention.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing, all data is taken into account (history - information about symptoms provided by the owner, the epizootological situation in the region, the results of a clinical examination and autopsy).

The main diagnostic criterion is the results of stool flotation studies, based on traditional methods (Darling and Fulleborn), as well as using a sugar solution (more effective, improves microscopy results). The final diagnosis is made based on the detection of 10 spores or more in the field of view using standard magnification. Such studies can be carried out by almost any veterinary clinic that has at least a minimal laboratory (centrifuge, reagents, microscope).

However, diarrhea may appear before the spores are detected, therefore, when making a diagnosis, it is imperative to take into account the clinical manifestations and all the above data, and, if necessary, carry out repeated studies (over time, after some time).

Treatment

Treatment of coccidiosis in dogs, like the treatment of any infectious disease, is based on the following principles:

The use of specific (etiotropic) drugs aimed at eliminating the main cause - the causative agent of the disease.
Symptomatic therapy, it is aimed at eliminating the consequences of the development of pathology (dehydration, inflammation in various organs and systems, dysbiosis, and so on).

Use of specific (anticoccidiosis) drugs

Any veterinary pharmacy can provide a wide selection of anticoccidiosis drugs. In most cases these are cocidiostatics. Sulfa drugs (“sulfodimethoxine” and others) are often recommended. But when choosing a drug, you need to understand that sulfonamide drugs and some antibiotics (“tetracycline”, “kanamycin” and others) have been used for a long time, therefore the adapting pathogen has been immune to them since the end of the twentieth century.

If we take into account veterinary drugs developed back in the last century, then we can talk about the effectiveness of only “Amprolium” (drugs “coccidiovit” and others).

For greater effectiveness, rotation of coccidiostats and antibiotics is used, but such therapy also has many disadvantages.

Disadvantages of outdated therapy

Let's start with the definition of the term coccidiostatics - like bacteriostatic antibiotics, these are drugs that act on the pathogen (bacteria or protozoa) by disrupting its life cycle. Therefore, during treatment:

Due to its slow action (compared to coccidiocides or bacteriocides - drugs that kill coccidia and bacteria), a longer course is required.
The balance of intestinal microflora is disrupted.
There is an additional toxic effect on the body.
The body's natural immunity decreases.

Modern veterinary drugs

Modern drugs that are effectively used in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis include drugs that use toltrazuril as the active substance. The Bayer Corporation produces the Baycox suspension; previously it was produced in a 2.5% concentration; now there is a more modern drug with a 5% toltrazuril content.

Advantages of using toltrazuril

Coccidiocidal effect - does not require long-term use (a single administration is sufficient), has a low level of toxic effects on the body.
Slow absorption in the gastrointestinal tract - maintains the concentration in the intestine necessary for a long time to provide the necessary effect.
Eliminates pathogens both in the intestinal lumen and in its wall (on the mucosa and in the submucosal layer).
To a greater extent (about 70%) is excreted in its original (unchanged) state, the remaining part is metabolized. It is excreted along with feces.
Does not produce systemic effects - is low toxic.
It has a selective effect (acts specifically on coccidia) - does not cause the development of dysbacteriosis and impaired immunity.

For treatment, a single dose of the medicine is administered orally (it is available in the form of a suspension) in a dose of 0.1 to 0.2 ml per 1 kg of body weight (respectively: 5 and 10 mg of active substance per 1 kg).

Disadvantages of the drug

The remedy has a bitter taste, so not all animals drink it willingly and can cause sour belching (it is better to give it along with yogurt or kefir, but in small quantities).
Difficulty in dosing when the weight of the animal is small.
The drug should not be used on puppies under two weeks of age and weighing less than 500 grams.

The recommendations given are based on studies conducted by the manufacturer, although they are not indicated in its official recommendations for the drug (you can read it by downloading - "Baycox" instructions).

The drug “Prokoks” has been developed specifically for the treatment and prevention of puppies and young animals. It also contains the substance "emodepside" - which affects round helminths (worms).

Advantages and features of using the veterinary drug "Prokoks"

Can be used to prevent and treat puppies from coccidiosis and roundworms.
Can be used starting from two weeks of age.
The minimum weight of an animal to use the drug is 400 grams.
More pleasant taste compared to Baycox, does not cause burping.
In case of helminthic infestation, the administration of the drug is repeated after two weeks.
A more convenient dosage is 0.5 ml per kg of body weight or 0.2 ml per 400 grams.

Symptomatic therapy

In addition, depending on the course of the disease and the condition of the animal, other therapeutic agents can be used.

Prevention

Since coccidiosis can cause significant disorders in the puppy’s body, which can be of decisive importance for his entire life (a constantly sick animal will not make anyone happy), special attention should be paid to the prevention of this pathology.

(Coccidiosis)

A large and very important group of diseases that primarily affect young individuals, in which clinical signs can be relatively severe.

Coccidiosis

Coccidia are divided into Monoxenic (single-owner), which do not require an intermediate host, and Heteroxen (multi-owner), which require an intermediate host.

MONOXENIC COCCIDIA

Monoxenic coccidia include pathogens Isoprorose And Cryptosporidiosis .

2.1.9.1. Isosporosis (Isosporosis, Cystoisosporosis)

(Cystoisosporosis, Isosporosis, Cystoisosporosis)

A disease characterized by diarrhea, affecting primarily young animals, that is, puppies and kittens up to four months.

Pathogens

1. Isospora canis , synonym Cystoisospora canis

2. Isospora ohioensis , synonym Cystoisospora ohioensis

3. Isospora burrowsi , synonym Cystoisospora burrowsi

4. Isospora neorivolta , synonym Cystoisospora neorivolta

5. Isospora felis , synonym Cystoisospora felis

6. Isospora rivolta , synonym Cystoisospora rivolta

Master

Prevalence

Coccidia from the genus Isospora meet Cosmopolitan.

Morphology and development cycle

Dogs and cats Infested by sporulated cysts or When eaten by a paratenic host , which most often are mice and other rodents, as well as other mammals. Development cycle of coccidia from the genus Isospora (Cystoisospora) shown on the model Isospora Felis(see Fig. 14). Sporozoites in these nonspecific hosts invade extraintestinal tissue, most commonly the mesenteric lymph nodes and, less commonly, the liver, spleen, and skeletal muscle. They remain dormant for up to two years. Dormozoites are present in cells singly and sometimes they divide (so the paratenic or transport host is not an intermediate host). They do not cause disease in paratenic hosts and are not invasive to other transport (reservoir) hosts. When paratenic hosts are eaten by definitive hosts, the prepatent period is usually shorter than when they are invaded simply by oocysts, but the number of oocysts released is the same.

Pathogenesis and clinical signs

The invasion is pathogenic especially for Young animals. Most often, puppies and kittens from 4 weeks to 3–4 months are affected. There is apathy, lack of appetite, Fever,diarrhea(sometimes bloody) and the resulting Dehydration. In adult animals, infection often occurs Latent or is manifested only by a deterioration in the quality of wool, which occurs as a result of reduced assimilation.

Any stress that causes a decrease in immunity can lead to reactivation of extraintestinal stages. Most often, it is problematic to distinguish under natural conditions the pathogenic effects of isospores and the combined effects of other causes, such as various viruses and bacteria. Immunity after infection with isosporosis lasts approximately 2 months.

Diagnostics

Impossible without microscopic examination of stool. Feces are examined by flotation once a day for 3 days to determine the dynamics of oocyst release.

Treatment

Treatment of adult animals is usually not necessary, nor is the occasional finding of single oocysts in the feces of young animals without clinical signs of disease a reason for radical therapy. In these cases, a repeat stool examination is recommended. Treatment is only advisable when there is a massive infestation and when animals show clinical signs of the disease. Reduced immunity is the reason for improving living conditions and feeding.

The use gave good results Toltrazurila(Baycox) at a dose of 10 mg/kg live weight. This drug is given to dogs for 3 days; for cats, it is enough to give it for 2 days. It should be noted, however, that the use of this drug in small animals is not yet licensed.

Can be used for dogs Sulfonamides in solution, tablets or paste, as well as in combination with trimethoprim. For example, sulfadimidine (commercial name Sulfakombin sol. ad u S. ve T.) was successfully used at a dose of 1 ml of solution per 1 - 2 kg of live weight orally for 3 - 5 days. Potentiated sulfonamides (for example, Biseptol) are given at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight orally at 12-hour intervals for 5–10 days. Therapy must be individually modified in accordance with the dynamics of oocyst release and the rate of decrease in clinical signs.

Prevention

Monitor hygiene, especially when keeping young animals. First of all, it is necessary to ensure direct removal of feces and sufficient cleanliness. It is not recommended to feed animals raw meat (risk of infection from paratenic hosts), but rather to use commercial diets. In case animals refuse food other than raw meat, which is often the case in cats, it is recommended to feed raw meat that has previously been frozen for at least 3 days at a temperature not exceeding – 18 ° C. When processed in this way In meat, as well as innards, the causative agents of protozoal infestations are reliably destroyed.

I. Canis

I.ohioensis

I.burrowsi

I.neorivolta

Forecast

Isosporosis has Favorable forecast. In adult animals, in most cases the disease goes away on its own without treatment. Also, in puppies and kittens, the disease can be easily cured by combining animal hygiene measures and appropriate treatment.

Note

Isolation of coccidia from the genus Isospora in cats it often occurs before or after oocyst shedding T. Gondii. This release is not associated with the pathogenicity of the oocysts T. Gondii And I. Felis or I. Rivolta. This means that the presence of isosporous type oocysts, even if not clearly detected T. Gondii, indicates a possible parallel invasion by toxoplasmosis, which occurs, as indicated, before or after the infection by coccidia.