Once A Fecal Sample Has Been Obtained What Exactly Is It Used For?

The veterinary staff is able to use a stool sample to perform many different kinds of tests. The type of tests performed will depend upon those things your veterinarian needs to either rule out or confirm what may or may not be making your pet sick.

The most common test performed is the "Fecal Floatation" test. This test uses a special solution that allows your veterinary care team to identify different types of parasites by examining the sample under a microscope.

If My Pet Had Intestinal Parasites Wouldn't I Be Able To See Them?

Maybe and maybe not. Some parasites might be seen in the stool (roundworms and tapeworms), but most parasites are very small and therefore cannot be seen with the naked eye.  But just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there!

My Pet Doesn't Go Outside My Yard. Why Should I Worry About Intestinal Parasites?

The infective eggs of intestinal parasites are found in the soil we walk on, and in some instances they can also be found in contaminated water sources. Humans can also carry these parasites into your home, and if other animals come into your yard, they can carry them also!

 

Is Guardia Making Your Pet Sick?

 

Giardia are one-celled microscopic parasites that live in the intestine of infected humans or animals.  If contracted Giardia can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The symptoms caused by Giardia may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, fatigue or weight loss. These symptoms may last weeks and Infected persons or animals may be contagious for months.

Millions of germs can be released in a single bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. To become infected, a person must consume contaminated food or water including drinking from streams or rivers.
 

 

What Are Coccidia?

Coccidia are single celled organisms that infect the intestine. They are microscopic parasites detectable on routine fecal tests in the same way that worms are but Coccidia are not worms and they are not visible to the naked eye.

 

Coccidia infection causes a watery diarrhea which is sometimes bloody and can even be a life-threatening problem to an especially young or small pet. Coccidia are a common parasite that come from fecal-contaminated ground. They are swallowed when a pet grooms/licks the dirt off itself. In some cases, sporulated oocysts are swallowed by mice and the host is infected when it eats the mouse.

 

 

A routine fecal test is a good idea for any new puppy or kitten whether there are signs of diarrhea or not as youngsters are commonly infected. This sort of test is also a good idea for any patient with diarrhea. The above illustration shows Coccidia oocysts as seen under the microscope in a fecal sample. Because Coccidia are microscopic a test such as this is necessary to confirm their presence.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that are transmitted to pets by flea ingestion or the ingestion of a rodent.  There eggs are difficult to find with Fecal Floatation, so they are usually diagnosed by identifying the "Segments" on the pet's fur under the rectum or on their bedding.

 

 

Tapeworms attach themselves to the host's intestinal wall (Shown Above), and then begin to grow a long tail. (The tapeworm’s body is basically a head segment to hold on with, a neck, and many tail segments). Each segment making up the tail is like a separate independent body, with an independent digestive system and reproductive tract. The tapeworm absorbs nutrients through its skin as the food being digested by the host flows past it. Older segments are pushed toward the tip of the tail as new segments are produced by the neckpiece. By the time a segment has reached the end of the tail, only the reproductive tract is left. When the segment drops off, it is basically just a sac of tapeworm eggs (Shown Below).

 

 

Whereas the transmission to humans is possible, the likelihood is remote.  Flea control is the key to preventing infection.

 

What Can I Do To Prevent Intestinal Parasites From Infecting My Pet?

Speak with your veterinarian regarding the prevention of intestinal parasites.  Please don't wait until your pet has been infected.  The need for prevention in maintaining the health and wellbeing of your pet cannot be overemphasized.

 

Dogs should take "Interceptor" or "Sentinel" once per month for intestinal parasitic control, and heartworm prevention.  "Revolution" should be applied topically once a month to cats for intestinal parasitic control, and heartworm prevention.  Information about the use of these products can be obtained from your veterinarian during your next visit.

 

 

Although this page provides basic information about intestinal parasites, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about intestinal parasites and their prevention.