© squirrelrehabilitation.com, 2011
Diseases
Coccidia/Coccidiosis
Definition:
Coccidia is a single-celled protozoan that invades the intestinal tract and destroys intestinal mucosa/cells by
entering the cells and replicating until the cells burst. It is passed through feces and found in soil. It is probably
the most common parasite found in squirrels, and it is probable that most wild squirrels have coccidia to some
extent. Coccidiosis often shows no clinical signs in mature/healthy squirrels as their immune systems are able
to keep it under control. However, in young or otherwise compromised adults (ill or weakened), coccidia can
proliferate and cause serious illness and even death. The two squirrels pictured together below were the same
approximate age (six weeks), as development of tail fur indicates. The one on the left was infested with coccidia
while the one on the right was coccidia-free and weighed twice as much as the other. All squirrels should receive
a fecal exam, but any time one is a “runt,” does not grow as quickly as it should, fecal exams are imperative (more
than one exam needs to be conducted several days apart because coccidia sheds oocysts intermittently). See
pictures below of coccidia under a microscope.
Etiology/Causes:
Contact with infected feces or contaminated soil.
Symptoms:
1. Lethargic
2. Lack of appetite/weight loss
3. Diarrhea (but not always)
4. Blood in stool from ruptured cells
5. Fever
6. Slow or stunted growth in young squirrels
7. Failure to thrive
Treatment:
Medical
1. The antibiotics Albon and Bactrim (Sulfatrim, SMZ-TMP) are most commonly used to treat for coccidia. They
are usually given for 14 days. However, two fecal exams should be conducted after this time period (a few
days apart), and if not clear of oocysts, treatment should continue for another 7 days.
UPDATE 26 June 2011: A drug that is relatively new to small mammal veterinary care but has proven to be very
effective for the treatment of coccidia is called “Ponazuril.” This drug does not simply inhibit replication of
coccidia but actually kills it. A GREAT advantage to this drug is that it requires only one or two doses. Please
consult your veterinarian.
Supportive
1. Keep the squirrel isolated from others.
2. Keep squirrel well hydrated and fed.
3. Keep caging and bedding clean so as not to reinfect itself.
References:
Merck Veterinary Manual, 10th ed.
Brooks, Wendy C. DVM. The Pet Health Library.
Tabor’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 20th ed.
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, Sixth Edition.
Click to enlarge
Type: Parasitic
These first two pictures are of the most common type of coccidia found in squirrels
The following pictures show a less commonly found form of coccidia from the genus Eimeria. Unlike the
type pictured above, this form has an operculated or “plugged” end. It is suspected that this form of coccidia
may produce a neurotoxin that can result in neurological symptoms, including seizures and paralysis.
© squirrelrehabilitation.com, 2011
Coccidia/Coccidiosis
Definition:
Coccidia is a single-celled protozoan that invades the intestinal tract and destroys intestinal mucosa/cells by
entering the cells and replicating until the cells burst. It is passed through feces and found in soil. It is probably
the most common parasite found in squirrels, and it is probable that most wild squirrels have coccidia to some
extent. Coccidiosis often shows no clinical signs in mature/healthy squirrels as their immune systems are able
to keep it under control. However, in young or otherwise compromised adults (ill or weakened), coccidia can
proliferate and cause serious illness and even death. The two squirrels pictured together below were the same
approximate age (six weeks), as development of tail fur indicates. The one on the left was infested with coccidia
while the one on the right was coccidia-free and weighed twice as much as the other. All squirrels should receive
a fecal exam, but any time one is a “runt,” does not grow as quickly as it should, fecal exams are imperative (more
than one exam needs to be conducted several days apart because coccidia sheds oocysts intermittently). See
pictures below of coccidia under a microscope.
Etiology/Causes:
Contact with infected feces or contaminated soil.
Symptoms:
1. Lethargic
2. Lack of appetite/weight loss
3. Diarrhea (but not always)
4. Blood in stool from ruptured cells
5. Fever
6. Slow or stunted growth in young squirrels
7. Failure to thrive
Treatment:
Medical
1. The antibiotics Albon and Bactrim (Sulfatrim, SMZ-TMP) are most commonly used to treat for coccidia. They
are usually given for 14 days. However, two fecal exams should be conducted after this time period (a few
days apart), and if not clear of oocysts, treatment should continue for another 7 days.
UPDATE 26 June 2011: A drug that is relatively new to small mammal veterinary care but has proven to be very
effective for the treatment of coccidia is called “Ponazuril.” This drug does not simply inhibit replication of
coccidia but actually kills it. A GREAT advantage to this drug is that it requires only one or two doses. Please
consult your veterinarian.
Supportive
1. Keep the squirrel isolated from others.
2. Keep squirrel well hydrated and fed.
3. Keep caging and bedding clean so as not to reinfect itself.
References:
Merck Veterinary Manual, 10th ed.
Brooks, Wendy C. DVM. The Pet Health Library.
Tabor’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 20th ed.
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, Sixth Edition.
Click to enlarge
Type: Parasitic
These first two pictures are of the most common type of coccidia found in squirrels
The following pictures show a less commonly found form of coccidia from the genus Eimeria. Unlike the
type pictured above, this form has an operculated or “plugged” end. It is suspected that this form of coccidia
may produce a neurotoxin that can result in neurological symptoms, including seizures and paralysis.
