COCCIDIA

Coccidia are one celled organisms (protozoans) visible only under the microscope.  They are commonly found in the stool of puppies and kittens.  They live in the cells lining the intestines, damaging those cells when they break out into the intestinal tract.  From there, the "eggs" are passed in the stool, from where they can re-infect the same animal or other animals.  In addition, mice can act as an intermediate host.  Cats eating mice with coccidia can get coccidia themselves.

While some animals may be asymptomatic, many puppies and kittens will have watery or mucusy diarrhea because of the infection. Occasionally, severe debilitation or weakness can be seen in young animals carrying this parasite.