Cryptosporidium is a water-borne illness most often seen in young dogs who play in bodies of fresh water. The parasite starts its life as an egglike cyst excreted when another animal defecates in the water. Accidental ingestion while swimming internalizes the parasite, which moves to the small intestine and multiplies, burrowing into the tissue and causing severe, watery diarrhea. This irritation in the bowel can severely hinder nutrient absorption, especially in younger animals, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Dealing with a Cryptosporidium infection is of concern to the human owner- the disease is highly transmissible, and if care is not exercised while cleaning contaminated materials, the owner can be infected. The egglike cysts of Cryptosporidium are highly resistant to most cleaning solutions including bleach. A 5% ammonia solution is recommended to kill the organism, which can be infective for months in a cool, damp environment.
Cryptosporidium is a genus of water-borne parasitic protozoans responsible for causing severe diarrheal illness in dogs, humans and many other mammals. Animals infected with Cryptosporidium demonstrate a reduced capacity to absorb nutrients and often die by dehydration. The parasite is shed in feces and is immediately infective.
