COCCIDIA are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that
multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They are
most common in puppies and kittens less than six months of age
or adult animals that are stressed or have a suppressed immune
system. Young animals are frequently exposed to their mother's
feces. If the mother is shedding the infective organisms in her
feces, then the young animals will likely ingest them and
coccidia will develop within their intestines. Most young
animals who are ill from coccidia are two weeks of age and
older. As a young animal ages, he tends to develop a natural
immunity to the effects of coccidia. The primary sign of an
animal suffering from coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may
be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and
mucous may be present. Severely affected animals may also vomit,
lose their appetite, become dehydrated, or worse. Fortunately,
coccidiosis is treatable with prescription drugs such as Albon®
and trimethoprim/sulfa that can be