This is the third of a three-part series.

Coccidia are one-celled parasites which may infect young animals that have been weakened in some way. Therefore, signs of illness caused by coccidiosis are most prevalent under conditions of poor nutrition, poor sanitation, overcrowding, or after stresses, such as weaning. Infection results when an animal ingests infective eggs (oocysts). These oocysts enter the environment in the feces of an infected pet and develop to cause infection in the intestines.

The most common signs in severe cases are diarrhea (sometimes bloody), weight loss, and dehydration. Your veterinarian will combine the results of fecal examinations with observations of signs and intestinal abnormalities to confirm the diagnosis........

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