Dealing with Coccidia

When I got Treasure, she had a loose stool.  The vet put her on Flagyl, something that would help clear any toxins out of her system and probiotics.  I followed his instructions, and it got to a managable level of loose stool.  He also said that kittens were notorous for loose stools.

Fast forward a month - they stayed at the vet while I was out of town on business.  Treasure was diagnosed with Coccidia and they started her on antibiotics.  I asked that they start Precious on the antibiotics as well since they share two litter boxes, and a water dish.  They didn't start her until the day before I was to bring her home - three days AFTER Treasure had been diagnosed; and four weeks after I'd initially said there was a problem.

I bleached the litter boxes (and destroyed the electronics on the litter robot in the process) and washed the bed linens and the cat beds.  I ordered a new litter robot for a small fortune.

Precious is on her 8th day of the first cycle of antibiotics and she's pooping pure liquid.  I actually had to wash her tail because it was liquid enough that not only did it get on her tail, but it dripped off (sorry for the TMI).

This weekend I have to bleach the floors yet again, wash the bed linens, the cat beds, etc.  When all this could have been prevented IF he'd listened to me in the first place.

Precious has a seriously compromised immune system with CRF and this is playing havoc with her hydration levels.

Treasure starts back on the Albon in 4 days then Precious has a week off and I give her another 9 days.

The oh so helpful vet techs told me that I needed to get rid of the litter robot and get cheap boxes and rebleach the litter robot, and when they are fine in a couple of months I can look at the litter robot again.  Precious is a "high pee'er" and will spray beyond the edge of a normal litter box, so when I use one of those, I am forever having to scrub the floor or carpet and wall.

How do I deal with the vet ignoring me and the problems of the Coccidia.

Oh, and I'm of child bearing age and was told that I may now have it too.

Sorry you are dealing with all of this.  First of all, if you are unhappy with your vet, switch vets.  My puppy had coccidia when I got her.  It is extremely common in puppies.  From what I read about coccidia in cats, as well as dogs, is that they typically show symptoms when they are young.  How old are your cats? Usually, a vet does a fecal sample for puppies and kittens, to check for parasites, including coccidia. Your vet should have suggested it while they were in for their initial shots.

I wouldnt worry too much about having it yourself, unless you have a compromised immune system.  Obviously, wash thouroghly after cleaning up after your cats.  But, if you are concerned, ask your doctor.

Precious may need fluids if shes that dehydrated.  Keep in close contact with your vet (new or old) and let them know how its progressing.  If the symptoms get really bad, coccidia can be fatal.  But I think thats only if they get no treatment.   

When anything is wrong with my animals, I do as much research as possible. It is always a good idea.

Hi Crickets Mom,

Treasure is 6 months and Precious is 16 years with renal failure.  She's (Precious) is going to the vet tomorrow to see about getting some hydration.  And I'm going to ask about getting a compound script for Baycock. 

I just want to cry over all this. 

I realize that you have already started Precious on treatment, but you might want to bring in a fecal sample from her tomorrow.  She may not have coccidia.  Unless she was having loose stools before, the problem she is having now could be due to the antibiotics.  Talk to the vet about it, but unnessasary antibiotics cant be good for a cat with renal failure. I dont know if you have her on a probiotic too, but talk to your vet about that too, if shes not on one already.  Antibiotics can cause diarrhea in healthy animals.

Again, I am very sorry for your situation.  It sucks bring a little one into your life and having it cause health issues for your older animals. Keep your head up.  Coccidia should be fairly easy to clear up.

Today was Precious' last Albon and we went to the vet.  Her stool came back negative (yay!!) but it was full of the bad bacteria.  So, my sweet kitty is now on Flagyl until she's finished the next round of Albon - the vet wouldn't budge on it.  But, since it was the younger and more explorative of the two vets she suggested putting Precious back on the A/D and mixing in 1 tsp of whole fat yogurt twice a day.  They actually worked me in, didn't try to rush me out.  And the vet (who I think may become my regular rather than the founder) pulled out a comb and started combing Precious while she talked to me.  And let me stay there for 10 mintues or so to keep working on the mats. 

We talked through the Baycock, but because the stool was full of the rod bacteria and no coccidia, she didn't think it was necessary and might add too much to Precious' already taxed system.

So far she managed about a tablespoon of the food before deciding she was full, but I'll take that since this is so calorically dense.  And I'll put it down every time she heads for the kitchen.

~hugs~
 

thank you for taking the time to respond

Oh WendyB, Im so glad you like the other vet!  She sounds great, and its so important to have a vet you like and trust.  Im glad you brought a fecal in and glad Precious didnt have coccidia. 

Im glad I could help, even if it was just a little support for you.  Give Precious and Treasure big kisses for me!!!

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_coccidiosis#.UrD0gfRDvDQ

I have been dealing with coccidia in my cat, Angel, for a week now. Today is the best she has ever felt! (I'm glad that your kitties are all better!) Angel got lost for 4 months and I just found her this past November 21st-that's how she got it. She's 2& 1/2 years old and an indoor only cat at that. She has been taking Albon since last Friday. Her previous symptoms were being lethargic and bloody diarrhea. We caught hers in time though! She's still eating & drinking great. And now she's beginning to play again! We're so thankful!! ^u^

I wanted to share my experience with y'all. And also inform you that Coccidiosis is species-specific. Cats cannot give Feline Coccidia to us humans or dogs and vise-versa. Which is FANTASTIC!!