recurring diarrhea

[Birdie'sMom]

Hi, all! Over the past 6 weeks, Birdie has had diarrhea 3 times. The first 2 times it only lasted one day. Then last week, my husband and I went to Florida and my sister-in-law came to stay with Birdie at our house. My sister-in-law said that she had diarrhea and was throwing up for 3 days. The 4th day it stopped and now we are back and she seems fine. My sister-in-law said that she didn't eat anything other than her Canidae and a few milk bones before the diarrhea and vomiting and once it all started she only fed her rice until she was back to normal. We started her on Canidae about 2 months ago. She was on Science Diet before that and we weaned her off of it like you are supposed to. Do you think that this is an allergic reaction to the Canidae? I thought that if it was the Canidae then it wouldn't clear up until we changed her to another food. But this goes away, then comes back and then goes away again. Anyone know or should I just take her to the vet the next time she gets it?

[WorkinDogz]

When was her last fecal exam? Coccidia is notorious for producing intermittent diarrhea..... so is hookworm.

[Birdie'sMom]

She hasn't had one since she was 4 months (she's 9 months, now)

[Birdie'sMom]

I did a search on coccidia on this forum. I am going to get a fecal test done. Can they find the coccidia even when she is not having an episode of diarrhea? Also - even during the days when she is having diarrhea she is not lethargic at all. She acts completely normal, except for the fact that she has the runs. Do they always have other symptoms besides the diarrhea or would the recurring diarrhea be the only symptom?

[WorkinDogz]

Diarrhea is generally the only symptom. In sick animals and ones who aren't otherwise healthy, coccidia can ravage their system.....but.....generally the housepet is getting good nutrition so the "other" effects aren't seen.

I've found that when they have diarrhea is when you see the load of cocci on the slide! Unlike with other intestinal parasites, the cocci seems most detectable when they are having loose stool.

[Birdie'sMom]

Thanks, Workindogz! The next time she has loose stool I will take it in for an exam. Thanks for your help!