Quote Originally Posted by jenluckenbach
They have had their routine worming (roundworms/hookworms). They will be getting their fecal test this Thursday (but it's going to be hard to test liquid poop).
I don't know about how every vet tests fecal samples, but at least the way we do it, liquid poop is just as easy, if not easier, to test as regular poop...at least if it's collected in some type of plastic bag or plastic container, not paper towel/kleenex etc which absorb the sample so we can't use it.

Also young puppies/kittens usually need more than one de-worming.


Quote Originally Posted by jenluckenbach
I feel like I am failing them.
You are NOT failing them, if indeed it is coccidia it could have been gotten from the mother not necessarily from anything you've done or not done.

taken from http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=680
"This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry."

Quote Originally Posted by jenluckenbach
Wouldn't something like coccidia cause the symptoms from the start, not show up later??
Taken from http://www.purinaone.com/
"Most infected kittens encountered by the authors are in the four to twelve week age group.
From exposure to the coccidia in feces to the onset of the illness is about 13 days. Most kittens who are ill from coccidia are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. Although most infections are the result of spread from the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected kitten or puppy is contagious to other kittens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those that are not."


I don't know about your area, but here we've been getting alot of rain, and consequently seeing alot more cases of coccidia.

Quote Originally Posted by jenluckenbach
But they are still happy and active
Being active is good, but I wouldn't wait for fecal testing until Thurs. if it was me. See if you're vet will let you just drop off a fecal sample tomorrow on your way by and call later for the results and to pick up meds if necessary.

Diarrhea in pets, especially young ones is important to nip in the bud to avoid dehydration. Some of the stink you mentioned may be due to whatever it is that is causing the diarrhea.