Why Does My Veterinarian Want a Poop Sample?
Posts by: Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM
Have you ever wondered why veterinarians recommend yearly fecal testing and what exactly is tested for? It’s not because we enjoy pet poop. We recommend “fecals” because they are an important part of your pet’s annual exam. Fecals allow veterinarians to check your pet for intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of morbidity in pets and also a concern for people. According to Kansas State, 34% of dogs in the United States have some kind of intestinal parasite, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that 14% of people in the U.S. have been infected with the roundworm toxocara. As a result of toxocara infections, approximately 700 people lose vision every year. Fecals are an important tool to ensure that your pet and your household are not infected and exposed to intestinal parasites, respectively.
What do fecals detect?
Fecals enable veterinarians to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia. Since intestinal parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are usually hidden from view. Unlike external parasites like fleas and ticks, most intestinal parasites are never seen. The only way to detect the presence of intestinal parasites and identify them is by doing a fecal.
How do you perform a fecal?
Since worm eggs, larvae and protozoan cysts are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye, a fecal exam is done with a microscope. There are three different ways to prepare a stool sample for examination:
- Smear— A smear is the easiest to do and involves smearing a small sample of stool across a microscope glass slide and examining it under the microscope.
- Flotation— A flotation (also known as a float) is the most common method used in veterinary hospitals and involves mixing the stool sample in a special solution that allows the eggs and protozoan cysts to float to the surface.
- Centrifugation— Centrifugation involves using a centrifuge to spin down a stool sample suspended in a special solution prior to performing the floatation. The parasites are then identified microscopically based on the size, shape and characteristics of their eggs, larvae or cysts (found in the stool specimen).
How to provide a proper fecal sample?
When it comes to food, we all know that fresh is best. Not surprisingly, the same
is true for stool samples. The fact is that fresher stool samples give you more
accurate and sensitive results. Eggs and larvae from some types of parasites,
as well as protozoa and protozoan cysts, can become altered and unrecognizable
the longer they sit out. For the best results, collect the freshest stool
sample and bring it to your veterinarian the same day. If this is not possible,
you can seal the fecal sample in a ziploc® bag and refrigerate it until you can
bring it to your veterinarian. If you’re putting it in your refrigerator, I
recommend being extra careful to not dirty the outside of the ziploc® bag and
double bagging it to insure you do not contaminate your fridge and food. But
remember, fresher is better!
How not to collect a Poop Sample
How often does your pet need a fecal?
According to the Companion
Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), all
pets should be, “tested for parasites at least yearly.” More frequent fecals
may be needed for puppies, animals with gastrointestinal disturbances and some other
pets depending on their exposure-risk and lifestyle. Speak with your
veterinarian to find out how frequently you should bring in your pet’s stool
sample. Ultimately, the goal is to identify and treat parasitic infections that
may be compromising your pet’s health and even putting your family at risk.
Along with monthly, year-round parasite preventatives; routine fecal exams are the best way to ensure that your pet and your household are safe from intestinal parasites.