Coccidia

[Lesley]

Hi guys,

We have a 7 mos old F6 SV. He has had runny stool issues on and off since we got him at 12 weeks. No other problems. 2 stool tests were negative and a round of metronidazole helped briefly. In the past 24 hrs he has gone to full on diarrhea, dripping everywhere and is confined to the bathroom. I took a very good stool sample ( stuck a pill bottle under his bottom and got it almost full) they found one oocyte in the sample. So he is on ponazuril for 4 days. First dose a couple of hours ago. I am watching him for dehydration but an wondering how long it will take for meds to get his diarrhea under control? Vet said 24 hrs. He's freaking out every time he leaks. Just wanted any advice available. Thanks!

 

[Trish Allearz]

Cats naturally carry coccidia. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that diagnosis at this point. Something is majorly off. Is he getting probiotics? As far as how long meds take, coccidia meds tend to take three to five days imho. Way too long for a kitty with this type of diarrhea.

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[Lesley]

He has been on forti flora for a week. He is not losing weight, gaining actually. Eating and active. I am keeping a very close eye on him. He is resting now. The vet had me treat our other cats with a single dose, but Spar has 4 consecutive doses. No one else is showing any symptoms. The vet said coccidia is not normally a problem for adult cats, but kittens have trouble fighting an established parasite with an underdeveloped immune system. They seemed confident this would be under control in 24 hrs.

 

[Lesley]

Also, what would get this type of diarrhea under control? I know he might need fluids if he becomes dehydrated (don't think he is at this point, passes skin pinch test and is drinking) but is there something to manage the symptoms other then clearing the parasite?

 

[Lesley]

Spar is currently 9.5 lbs at 7 mos. He has eaten a full can of RC kitten today as well. Appetite is unaffected.

 

[Patti]

You can try giving Spar kaopectate (make sure it is pet version with kaolin and pectin only, the human version has an additional ingredient that is harmful to cats) or add unflavored psyllium to his food.

 

[Lesley]

Where do u find psyllium? Probably need something i can get in the city. As to kaopectate, is the non human version readily available? I am staying up with him tonight to make sure he doesnt need to go to emergency vet. He is ok so far, just bouts with diarrhea and leaking. Still grooming, eating, drinking, and vocalizing.

 

[Patti]

Psyllium is the generic for Metamucil, you can purchase it at any drug store, just be sure to get the unflavored one. I believe you can get pet kaopectate at PetsMart or Petco, or purchase online. Here is one place: http://www.amazon.com/Lambert-Kay-P...=1384663770&sr=1-4&keywords=kaolin+and+pectin there are many others as well.

 

[Lesley]

Thank you Patti, I appreciate it.

 

[Lesley]

Hey, just checking in. I know its 321 am eastern, but Spar's meds seem to be working. He is resting comfortably with his sis and GI tract seems to be calming down. Tough day.