Etiology:  Eimeria caviae is a colonic coccidian.

Incidence:  Incidence of infection with Eimeria caviae is common.

Transmission:  Transmission occurs by ingestion of a sporulated oocyst.

Clinical Signs:  Development of disease is often associated with exposure to an environmental stressor.  Diarrhea may develop 11 to 13 days post-exposure.

Pathology:  In severe infections, edema of the colonic wall and serosal hemorrhages may be seen.

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis is made by identification of the oocyst or other developmental stage by performing a mucosal scrape or a direct smear or flotation of feces.  Histology can also be used to demonstrate the presence of Eimeria (gametocytes, highlighted by arrowheads below).