When and how should I perform a stool examination on a dog or cat? How much does it cost?

Stool examination is an additional test that we perform to identify parasites present in the animal's stool. The package includes a fecal flotation test (detection of eggs, oocysts, and internal parasite cysts) and a test for the presence of Giardia spp. parasites. Parasites are not always visible to the naked eye in the feces; parasitic invasions in animals are often asymptomatic and pose a threat to animal health. and people.

When should I have my pet's stool tested?

Both dogs and cats that go outside should have feces tested every three to four months and cats that don't go outside every six months. Your pet's disturbing symptoms that may prompt you to do a stool test include weight loss or gain, noticeably increased or decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stools, a runny nose, cough, fatigue, skin problems, and anemia. Of course, in the case of such symptoms, the most important thing is a veterinary consultation and recommendations based on a medical interview.

How should I properly collect stool samples?

It is best to collect samples every other day, at about the same time of the day. The samples can be gathered in a single container and should be the size of a cherry stone (containers can be purchased at veterinary clinics or pharmacies). The material must be kept in the refrigerator between collection periods and must be hygienically separated from the other items in the refrigerator by being put in a jar or zip-top bag. After the last sample is collected, all material should be delivered immediately to a veterinary clinic, which will perform the test or submit the feces to the laboratory. The veterinarian may order the collection of samples three days in a row if a quick diagnosis is necessary, e.g., if a strong parasitic infestation is suspected or the result is needed for verification before vaccination. If there is more than one animal in the household, all animals should be tested at the same time.

I got a positive stool test result for my pet. What should I do next?

If the result is positive, contact your veterinarian for treatment. Drug therapy will be tailored to the specific type of parasite. In the case of a stool test, it is possible to obtain a false-negative result, i.e., parasitic invasion has not been detected, although it does occur. Like any diagnostic test, it never gives a 100% result. In such a situation, the veterinarian will usually order the pet to be dewormed.