Isospora canis

Location and host

• This species is found in small intestine of dog.

Morphology

• Oocyst are ellipsoidal to slightly ovoid, measuring average of 38 x 30 µm.
• Oocyst have smooth pale wall without micropyle, polar granules or residuum but with tiny blob adherent to oocyst wall at broad end.
• Sporocyst are ellipsoidal with smooth colorless wall and a prominent residuum. Size of sporocyst is 18-28 x 15-19 µm.
• Each sporocyst contains four sausage-shaped sporozoites with clear sub-central globules.

Life-cycle

• Three merogony generations occur in sub epithelium of lamina propria of small intestine.
• Gamonts appears within epithelial cell about7 days post infection.
• Prepatent period : 9-11 days.

Clinical signs/ Pathogenesis

• These species are not pathogenic on their own, but infection may be exacerbated by intercurrent viral disease or other immunosuppressive agents.
• Causes diarrhea in young puppies.
• On PM, villous stunting and reduction in absorptive surface area of lower small intestine may be found.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is based on findings of coccidial stages in intestine.
• Finding oocyst in faceces considering presenting signs of sudden onset of enteritis.

Treatment

• Information in treatment is lacking
• Use of sulphonamides such as sukphadimidine should be tried.

Control

• Good sanitation and isolation are effective measure in prevention and control of coccidiosis.
• In kennels or rescue centers, animal accommodation should be cleaned daily.
• Disinfection of kennels, using ammonia based produced are effective in killing oocyst in environment.