Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 11/22/2009

Question
our 5 week old Bulldog puppy has had very loose and watery stools from being born we are feeding eukanuba puppy food, he is eating and drinking water well also playing and running around, however he is putting on weight but only very slowly and looks quite skelatol,  his brother is doing fine no loose stools at all and is a lot larger & heavier. Have you please got any suggestions as to what is causing this and how we can cure it we have tried diarsanyl paste but had no effect to his stools. Please help

Answer
watery puppy stools; yes - coccidia diagnosis... Sorry, but I am glad the vet was able to help you and all your dogs!  Good luck guys!
Marie Peppers / ask the Pet Nurse


Hi Reece, I wonder if this little bullie pup has some coccidia :
Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that live in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They cause disease most commonly in puppies and kittens less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed, or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present).

With this possible problem, you need to see the vet for medication.
I am not sure in the UK, if you can buy what is needed without a Vet:
The drug of choice for this is: Albon
Call the VET and bring a stool sample of the Mush - to check for coccidia and other parasites.

Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable.
Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon®) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen®) have been effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia.
Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid.
By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy's own immunity to develop and remove the organisms.
Drug treatments of one to three weeks are usually required.

Sorry, I wish I could help you more.
Please make sure you are feeding a good PUPPY food.  ( FEED the pup food at least 4 x per day)
The problem with coccidia is weight loss - so, get this little one to the vet ASAP.

Good luck

Marie Peppers LPN MA
ask the Pet Nurse