Hi guys! March 4th we got a pure bred alaskan malamute puppy (male). He is now 3.5 months old
We took him to his first vet appointment after we got him and with his fecal exam he was positive for giardia and coccidia.
We also have two other 4 year old male huskies. So we took home meds for the puppy and preventative medications for the huskies as well since they play with the puppy.
I believe all 3 took albon and panacur. If i recall correctly, it was 6 days for the powder, and 10 days for the pills.
May I add that none of the dogs showed any symptoms AT ALL during this time before or after meds.

After giving the meds, one of my huskies started vomiting everything he ate as a reaction to the meds. So i told the vet i was going to stop giving him the meds and 24 hours later he began to eat again. The other husky had no reaction to the meds so he finished all doses. Same with the puppy, he finished all doses.

So, as vet protocol, we took another fecal sample from the puppy into the vet after his meds were finished. Well, i got the results last night and he was negative for giardia thank goodness but he still came out POSITIVE FOR COCCIDIA!

My question is, do you think he really has coccidia? Or is my vet ripping me off?
We have used this vet for 3 years and they have been great. But my puppy has never shown any symptoms! He eats and drinks everyday like a mad man. And his stools are so perfect everyday that they should be in a textbook! I started giving him his second round of medication last night, but i can't help but think in the back of my mind that maybe he doesn't have coccidia because he shows no symptoms???

Opinions??? Thank you

I would give the meds. Just because he doesn't show any symptoms anymore doesn't mean that he's clear. It just means that the amount in his system is possibly so small that it isn't triggering anything, but if left unchecked it will flair up and you will be right back to where you were. Wipe off all the dogs feet when they come in from outside, remove all poop from the yard immediately, and just keep doing what you've been doing. It doesn't take much of either of those parasites to infect or reinfect your whole brood if you miss anything.

He's never showed any symptoms though. His first diagnosis was a shock because he seemed totally perfect.
I will continue giving the meds though, hopefully the next fecal exam is clear!

If he gets probiotics, he may not show symptoms. As Jenn said even with no symptoms it is best to continue giving the meds. The meds may also be making it possible that you do not see any symptoms.

Thanks!

So....

He finished his second round of meds a couple days ago. I take him in next week for his 2nd round of shots and to get a new fecal test done to check for the coccidia.

I have a feeling he has not been cured because several times throughout this round of pills his stool appeared to.....sorry for the TMI....mucousy in a few spots. Thats a sign of coccidia, right?

If his test does come back positive again for coccidia, is there a better medication i should request from my Vet instead of doing a 3rd round of the same med?

I don't know why his body wouldn't be getting rid of coccidia?.
He never has poopy accidents inside.
He always goes outside and although we live in a condo community, i always make sure to pick up his poop right away and never let him even get close to stepping in it.

Fingers crossed this next test is negative, but I just want advice on what would be the next best course to take, should he still have it.

Thank you!!

Well, he may have worms, since mucus can be a sign that he has worms or he is getting rid of whatever. A worm check can be tricky, since tape worm for example may not show up. I would, if after testing for worms also, they can do that with a fecal, is to request Metronidazole which should clear up coccidia or giardia, or drontal for any possible worms. If he comes back positive on coccidia I would also request an added amoxicillin with the metro and a probiotic, since they both do a number on good gut flora or feed 2 tablespoons a day of plain greek yogurt. So amox with metro for coccidia/giardia and if it's worms drontal.

The other problem is any exposure to an area where he may have had diarrhea, although picked up, may still have the parasite so being in a condo poses extra issues, since you can not wash away the area with water and bleach. So do not allow him to sniff grass, and once inside wipe his feet down with baby wipes before he is allowed to lick his feet. Keep grass exposure to a minimum. Typically by age 6-7 months old, his immune system will be stronger, and these issues should be a thing of the past.

Thank you, I will write those meds down and take it with me when i go to the vet.
He hasn't had diarrhea one time since I brought him home when he was 10weeks. Thats one of the reasons I wasn't sure if he truly did have a positive diagnosis because he has perfect stools, except for mucus here and there on the ends.
He is four months old now, so hopefully you're right and his immune system will start perking up!

Thank you! Ill update you after his appointment