Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/17/2009

Question
Recently I purchased a Bengal kitten from a breeder.  We picked him up almost a week ago.  4 days after getting him, his stool tested positive for Coccidia.  This was after the breeder emailed me telling me that some of his siblings also had the parasite.  

A.  How harmful is this parasite? He is now on antibiotics, but I want to make sure I'm doing EVERYTHING right.  What should I look out for?
B.  Is the breeder responsible for these extra vet visits/antibiotics?  How do I go about getting this reimbursement?

Answer
Trisha -

Coccidia is a hearty parasite that is protozoan in nature.  One must be extremely fastidious when cleaning in order to truly get rid of this intestinal bug.  That includes cleaning the litter box after each use and cleaning all areas that the cat inhabits.

As I stated earlier, coccidial infections can be difficult to treat.  The symptoms often recur after weeks of treatment.  Softened, extra foul smelling stools may be indicative that there is a recurrence of coccidiosis.  Remember to clean your hands after handling your pet and his litter.

As far as reimbursement from your breeder  -  that would depend on the agreement between you and your breeder.  Most breeders will reimburse  some veterinary fees in order to maintain a healthy reelationship with their clients. However, pet sale agreements vary from state to state. Consult with your state department of professional regulations to determine if you are eligible for financial reimbursement for vet fees.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM