 More on coccidia
I just wanted to add some more info on coccidia because it is so common. I have seen a lot of posts where the breeder is "blamed" for coccidia, but, in reality, probably 99% of puppies have the "potential" to develop coccidia because it doesn't necessarily come from the the "mother". It comes from fecal material which may be from the mom or from any other exposure to ground that has had fecal material on it.
The oocysts are ingested and may or may not develop into the disesase depending on the age and immunity strength of the puppy. A "stressed" puppy can develop it easily. "Stress" can mean something as simple as being exposed to a cold draft, switching food, being taken away from mom and siblings, new environment, etc. Basically any change in a young puppies routine is considered stress.
Here is a piece of an article printed by the Mar Vista Pet Clinic which explains that is not necessarily a sign of unsanitary conditions or breeder irresponsibility:
To be more precise, coccidia come from fecal-contaminated ground. They are swallowed when a pet grooms/licks the dirt off itself. In some cases, sporulated oocysts are swallowed by mice and the host is infected when it eats the mouse. Coccidia infection is especially common in young animals housed in groups (in shelters, rescue areas, kennels, etc.) This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry. |