The Scoop On Poop
Why Should I Have My Pet's Fecal Sample Tested?
Many people think that since their pet is not having diarrhea, losing weight or see worms in their pet's poop, they are healthy. This is not an accurate way to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites since most pets do not have any symptoms and the parasite eggs are microscopic.
Let's look at some facts. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that 14% of Americans have been infected with roundworms and 700 people lose vision every year due to these infections. Fecal analysis are an important tool to prevent your pet from staying infected and potentially harming your family.
It has been reported that up to 44% of potting soils can contain roundworm eggs and parasite eggs can be brought into our homes on our footwear!
How Do I Collect A Fecal Sample?
Simple. All we need is a marble sized sample of feces. The fresher the better. Some parasites and protozoan cysts change in appearance as the fecal sample sits. Collect a stool sample and bring it to the hospital the same day. If this is not possible, place it in the refrigerator (make sure the outside of the bag/ container is free of any fecal material.) We have special containers that you can pick up from the hospital or you can put a sample in a clean sealed container or plastic bag.Alternatively, when your pets comes in for an exam, we may offer to collect a sample directly from the colon.
What Are We Testing For?
Fecal samples allow us to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia and giardia. Although fecal analysis are accurate, due to the life cycle of some parasites and the fact that also only a small sample of feces is examined, it is possible to have a negative fecal analysis but your pet to have parasites. Occasionally we may treat your pet with a dewormer if we are suspicious that your pet may still have a parasite infection. Most intestinal parasites are never seen since they live in your pet's GI (gastrointestinal) tract.How Is A Fecal Sample Analyzed?
We routinely run 2 different types of fecal analysis: one is sent out to the lab and one that we do in the hospital.- If we are doing a routine yearly fecal analysis it is sent out to the lab where they evaluate by centrifugation. This is a more sensitive test for intestinal parasite eggs. The results are sent to us the next day and we contact you to let you know the results.
- The second test is a more complete analysis which is run in hospital. This is done in cases where your pet has diarrhea and we want the results faster so that we can start treatments. Also, many causes for diarrhea include the more fragile parasites that degrade quickly with time and bacteria that is not looked for on a routine fecal exam.
How Often Should I Bring In A Fecal Sample?
The goal is to keep your pet parasite free. The CDC and CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) recommend all pets be tested yearly at a minimum. If your pet has GI issues, or is a puppy or kitten, it may be recommended to have more frequent testing.Treatments And Preventives
Most dogs and many cats are on monthly heartworm preventive that includes a dewormer. These dewormers often treat and control for roundworms and hookworms and some also protect against whipworms but not all parasites.
If your pet is positive for an intestinal parasite, the treatment will depend on a few factors including which parasite they have, the parasite's lifecycle, age, lifestyle and health of your pet. Some medications come in topical form and others are oral medications.
So the next time we remind you to bring a fecal sample remember how important it is to you and your pet's health.
