Cures for Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract that can cause bloody diarrhea in animals. It usually affects puppies and kittens who have not yet built up an immunity to the parasite, or mature animals with weakened immune systems. Fortunately, medications and precautionary measures can prevent or cure this disease.

  1. Sulfadimethoxine

    • Sulfadimethoxine is a sulfa antibiotic that can kill or inhibit coccidian parasites without injuring the infected animal. You can give this drug to your pet in tablets or as an oral suspension. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage.

      Your pet may exhibit some side effects while on this medication, such as joint inflammation, rashes and an inability to produce tears. Prolonged use can cause stones in your pet's urinary tract. Do not treat your pet with sulfadimethoxine if it has an allergy to sulfa drugs, suffers from liver or kidney disease, or is pregnant.

    Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine

    • Trimethoprim/sulfadiazine is another sulfa antibiotic that can treat coccidiosis in animals. You can administer this drug to your pet via tablets, oral suspension or injection. Dosages vary by condition and weight; your veterinarian will provide the appropriate dose.

      Side effects of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine include lack of appetite, vomiting, fever, anemia and joint inflammation. If your pet is allergic to sulfa drugs, suffers from liver or kidney disease, or is pregnant, you should not give it trimethoprim/sulfadiazine.

    Prevention

    • Because animals contract the coccidia parasite through contact with the feces of an infected animal, sanitation is important in preventing the spread of the disease.

      Remove all fecal matter from your pet's habitat. Keep food and water away from the area where your animal defecates. Most disinfectants do not kill coccidia, so the best methods of killing the parasite are burning the feces, steam cleaning, disinfecting with boiling water, or cleaning with a 10-percent ammonia solution.

      Cockroaches, flies, and mice can also carry and transmit coccidia to your pets, so you need to practice strict insect and rodent control.