OK, now I'm MAD!!!

[Chelsey]

Congrats on ur baby, i know its sad right now, but im sure that in a few weeks with a lot of TLC which i know she will be recieving plenty of, shes in the best hands and will get very attached to u

Please keep us updated

[red98vett]

My Chanel had coccidia and it IS passed from the mom to the pups thru cells shed during birth and unclean conditions - also from contact with feces that's infected.

Your baby had it already from her breeder but stress probably did bring it out - she didn't get it from the airlines or anything but that really is sad....the good thing is it's pretty easy to treat ...I don't blame you for being upset -

A puppy is not born with the coccidia organisms in its intestine. However, once born, the puppy or kitten is frequently exposed to its mother's feces and if the mother is shedding the infective cysts in her feces then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop within their intestines. Since young puppies, usually those less than six months of age, have no immunity to coccidia, the organisms reproduce in great numbers and parasitize the young animal's intestines. Oftentimes this has severe effects.

From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is about 13 days. Most puppies who are ill from coccidia are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. Although most infections are the result of spread from the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected puppy is contagious to other puppies and kittens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those that are not.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I think it is such a commin thing that most breeders send the syringe of albon in the puppy care package and have the new owners administer 5 doses for 5 days just in case. Both Chai and Hefner came with it and my girlfriend's yorkie did too. They were all from different breeders in different states.

The breeder had given Buddha albon and discovered that he was allergic to the sulfa so she printed in big bold letters on his medical records...ALLERGIC TO ALBON or any sulfa based medicines.

He did develop coccidia and had to be treated with chorid.

I would be curious to know how many others got the albon in their "care package"?

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I think it is such a commin thing that most breeders send the syringe of albon in the puppy care package and have the new owners administer 5 doses for 5 days just in case. Both Chai and Hefner came with it and my girlfriend's yorkie did too. They were all from different breeders in different states.

The breeder had given Buddha albon and discovered that he was allergic to the sulfa so she printed in big bold letters on his medical records...ALLERGIC TO ALBON or any sulfa based medicines.

He did develop coccidia and had to be treated with chorid.

I would be curious to know how many others got the albon in their "care package"?

I know it's common but I don't think it's common amoung good breeding practices - I know it's hard to get rid of but a good breeder shouldn't have recurring problems with this - The breeder I got Chanel from just doesn't care enough to clean up her act - I know this for a fact. This isn't hearsay or slander - she just doesn't care....

But after being on these sites a while now ... I don't see coccidia as something that many of our yorkies have or had - Sure some get it - but the majority of people I've spoken with in the last few years had no experience with it...

I think it's nice to send home a remedy for a puppy - but I also feel a VET should be examining a puppy upon bringing them home and then treating accordingly...This isn't to say you're wrong - but no - I sure didn't get anything like that when I got either of my girls...My breeder totally denied she has sick puppies.

but I don't think it's THAT common with caring breeders....

[Chelsey]

I know this is a stupid question, but i wont know if i dont ask, what is coccidia?

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I found this on the internet: A direct quote from the article:
This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry.

What on Earth are Coccidia?

Coccidia are single celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are but coccidia are not worms and they are not visible to the naked eye. Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea which is sometimes bloody and can even be a life-threatening problem to an especially young or small pet.

Where do Coccidia Come From?

Oocysts (pronounced o'o-sists), like those shown above, are passed in stool. In the outside world, the oocysts begin to mature or “sporulate.” After they have adequately matured, they become infective to any host (dog or cat) that accidentally swallows them.

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.

What Happens Inside the Host?

The sporulated oocyst breaks open and releases eight sporozoites. These sporozoites each finds an intestinal cell and begins to reproduce inside it. Ultimately, the cell is so full of what are called “merozoites” that it bursts releasing the merozoites which seek out their own intestinal cells and the process begins again. It is important to note how thousands of intestinal cells can become infected and destroyed as a result of accidentally swallowing a single oocyst.

As the intestinal cells are destroyed in larger and larger numbers, intestinal function is disrupted and a bloody, watery diarrhea results. The fluid loss can be dangerously dehydrating to a very young or small pet.

How Are Coccidia Detected?

A routine fecal test is a good idea for any new puppy or kitten whether there are signs of diarrhea or not as youngsters are commonly parasitized. This sort of test is also a good idea for any patient with diarrhea. The above illustration demonstrates coccidia oocysts seen under the microscope in a fecal sample. Coccidia are microscopic and a test such as this is necessary to rule them in. It should be noted that small numbers of coccidia can be hard to detect so just because a fecal sample tests negative, this does not mean that the pet is not infected. Sometimes several fecal tests are performed, especially in a young pet with a refractory diarrhea; parasites may not be evident until later in the course of the condition.

How is Coccidiosis Treated?

We do not have any medicine that will kill coccidia; only the patient’s immune system can do that. But we can give medicines called “coccidiostats” which can inhibit coccidial reproduction. Once the numbers stop expanding, it is easier for the patient’s immune system to “catch up” and wipe the infection out. This also means, though, that the time it takes to clear the infection depends on how many coccidia organisms there are to start with and how strong the patient’s immune system is. A typical treatment course lasts about a week or two but it is important to realize that the medication should be given until the diarrhea resolves plus an extra couple of days. Medication should be given for at least five days total. Sometimes courses as long as a month are needed.

The use of sulfa drugs in pregnancy can cause birth defects. Sulfa drug use can also lead to false positive test results for urine glucose.

Can People or Other Pets Become Infected?

While there are species of coccidia that can infect people (Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium, for example), the Isospora species of dogs and cats are not infective to people. Other pets may become infected from exposure to infected fecal matter but it is important to note that this is usually an infection of the young (i.e. the immature immune system tends to let the coccidia infection reach large numbers where the mature immune system probably will not.) In most cases, the infected new puppy or kitten does not infect the resident adult animal.


What on Earth are Coccidia?

Coccidia are single celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are but coccidia are not worms and they are not visible to the naked eye. Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea which is sometimes bloody and can even be a life-threatening problem to an especially young or small pet.

Where do Coccidia Come From?

Oocysts (pronounced o'o-sists), like those shown above, are passed in stool. In the outside world, the oocysts begin to mature or “sporulate.” After they have adequately matured, they become infective to any host (dog or cat) that accidentally swallows them.

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.
What Happens Inside the Host?

The sporulated oocyst breaks open and releases eight sporozoites. These sporozoites each finds an intestinal cell and begins to reproduce inside it. Ultimately, the cell is so full of what are called “merozoites” that it bursts releasing the merozoites which seek out their own intestinal cells and the process begins again. It is important to note how thousands of intestinal cells can become infected and destroyed as a result of accidentally swallowing a single oocyst.

As the intestinal cells are destroyed in larger and larger numbers, intestinal function is disrupted and a bloody, watery diarrhea results. The fluid loss can be dangerously dehydrating to a very young or small pet.

How Are Coccidia Detected?

A routine fecal test is a good idea for any new puppy or kitten whether there are signs of diarrhea or not as youngsters are commonly parasitized. This sort of test is also a good idea for any patient with diarrhea. The above illustration demonstrates coccidia oocysts seen under the microscope in a fecal sample. Coccidia are microscopic and a test such as this is necessary to rule them in. It should be noted that small numbers of coccidia can be hard to detect so just because a fecal sample tests negative, this does not mean that the pet is not infected. Sometimes several fecal tests are performed, especially in a young pet with a refractory diarrhea; parasites may not be evident until later in the course of the condition.

How is Coccidiosis Treated?

We do not have any medicine that will kill coccidia; only the patient’s immune system can do that. But we can give medicines called “coccidiostats” which can inhibit coccidial reproduction. Once the numbers stop expanding, it is easier for the patient’s immune system to “catch up” and wipe the infection out. This also means, though, that the time it takes to clear the infection depends on how many coccidia organisms there are to start with and how strong the patient’s immune system is. A typical treatment course lasts about a week or two but it is important to realize that the medication should be given until the diarrhea resolves plus an extra couple of days. Medication should be given for at least five days total. Sometimes courses as long as a month are needed.

The use of sulfa drugs in pregnancy can cause birth defects. Sulfa drug use can also lead to false positive test results for urine glucose.

Can People or Other Pets Become Infected?

While there are species of coccidia that can infect people (Toxoplasma and Cryptosporidium, for example), the Isospora species of dogs and cats are not infective to people. Other pets may become infected from exposure to infected fecal matter but it is important to note that this is usually an infection of the young (i.e. the immature immune system tends to let the coccidia infection reach large numbers where the mature immune system probably will not.) In most cases, the infected new puppy or kitten does not infect the resident adult animal.

[bettyeanne]

Figment ... Poor baby ... what a lousy start in life! My Patrick said tell you that since you already have two and you want a great home for little MacKenzie .... if you would let her come live with us, we would be happy to drive up and get her? I am so sorry that she is sick ... I'm certain with all the great care and loving attention that you are giving her, she will be fine! We will certainly keep you all in our prayers! Keep your chin up and if we can help, let us know!

[Figment713]

As I said, more than anything, I just came here to vent about the situation.

I was really mad for the puppy. I was mad about her being rejected, first by her supposed-to-be-mommy, then by my friend's parents. I was mad about anyone flying anything that size air cargo...for 9 hours in 90 degree heat. And, I was mad about being hollered at by the vet for a situation which really wasn't of my making. Heck, I thought I was doing really well getting her into see a vet within 21 hours of her flight landing!

The vet told me that if it weren't for the paperwork I had which seems to document a March 23rd whelping date, she'd guess the pup to be around 9 weeks old. (This seems IMPOSSIBLY young, as my friend's parents had her for two weeks. Surely to goodness no one let this girl go from her mom at 6 or 7 weeks of age.) She based this on her teeth, many of which haven't even erupted yet (and these are the baby teeth we're talking), and generally demeanor.

I don't know how old MacKenzie is (12 weeks per her paperwork), but she is really clingy...moreso that Maggie and Molly were when I got then. They were, of course, much older when they came to me.

Actually, I was encouraged by the fact she ate well this evening (at least a full tablespoon of her food). I live in TERROR of hypoglycemia in something this small. (I tried to give her Nutrical yesterday...having learned all about it from these boards , but she wanted NO part of it.)

Apparently as soon as the medication starts to take effect, she should lose some of the anemia, which will also raise her body temperature to where it should be. (She was only 99 degrees today, and should, per the vet be closer to 101).

One day at a time...We'll get through this. (Like my friend says: "That which does not kill us only serves to delay the inevitable!")

Oh, and Bettyeanne, thanks ever so much for the offer to take her off our hands, but I think we'll just be keeping her. Heck, Molly was actually sleeping next to her on the couch this evening. (Of course, I'd like to think that was because it also meant she was next to me. I think ol' Molly was just trying to protect her turf!)

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Figment:

You are taking such good care of that little girl and she will thrive.

It has been my experience that vets are often confused by the development of the "tinies". They develop much slower than the breed standard 5-7 lbers and they get their teeth later and everything. They are "catching up" for what didn't happen when they were in the womb.

My vet also couldn't believe my tinies were as old as they were when she first saw them.

[Marie]

Oh im so sorry for your little girl. I will have you both in my prayers. Congrats. I love the name Mackenzie.

[Carters Mom]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I doubt she had it when she left the breeder and it probably developed when she was moved from one place to another so many times.

Originally Posted by red98vett

Your baby had it already from her breeder but stress probably did bring it out - she didn't get it from the airlines or anything but that really is sad....the good thing is it's pretty easy to treat ...I don't blame you for being upset -



From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is about 13 days.

Villette:

You took the words right out of my mouth! This poor pup was already infected before it left from the breeder/prior owner.

Lisa

[LvMyYorki]

It takes 10- 13 days to even detect coccidia after its been contracted. It lays dormant in ADULT dogs and is erupted by stress and is then passed on to a puppy.

BTW..... I have never heard of ALBON being included in a puppy kit and would never buy from a breeder that thought it was "standard" to include... this would definitley lead me to believe that they knew their kennel was infected.

[Connie]

What a sad start in life for your little sweetie, but I'm sure it will be one with a happy ending considering the love and care you are showing. I'll say a prayer for her! Best wishes!

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by LvMyYorki

BTW..... I have never heard of ALBON being included in a puppy kit and would never buy from a breeder that thought it was "standard" to include... this would definitley lead me to believe that they knew their kennel was infected.

Yes, they did it because they knew their kennel could be infected. ALL kennels have the potential to be infected . It is having forethought and taking preventive measures to treat every puppy when they are placed under the stress of moving to a new home that causes some responsible breeders to include this medication in their puppy care packages and instructions

Interview a few vets and they will tell you just how common this malady is in the first few days and weeks of a puppy going to it's new home. It is not something breeders can prevent 100%. They can only do their best!
To criticize breeders for taking this preventive measure is short sighted in my opinion.

[bettyeanne]

You're very welcome, Figment! If circumstances change ... it's a standing offer! That poor baby will thrive in your good care. When Toto was that small, she was clingy too. Of course, that was OK with me! I would tie my robe belt and tuck her inside and she would sleep in there for hours! Only time I looked like I have a big "chest"! MacKenzie sounds like she is already improving! Keep us updated!