Too many owners overlook the benefits of intestinal parasite screening for their pets and livestock. Intestinal parasite screening should be part of each animal’s yearly routine health exam and should be part of every diagnostic panel for sick patients. I can’t over emphasize the importance of this test. It is inexpensive and is of great benefit when your veterinarian formulates a treatment plan for sick animals ,and preventative health plans for your family.
Intestinal parasite screening involves microscopically examining feces to look for parasites or parasite eggs. Whether you have a dog, cat, reptile, pocket pet, horse, or farm animal they will benefit from this type of exam.
Sometimes it is difficult to collect the needed sample while in the clinic so it is always helpful if you bring in a sample when you come in. We suggest a sample that is within 24 hours of passing the bowel movement. Sample size is important so if you don’t bring in enough you may need to make a return trip home to collect more. Most laboratories request 3-5 grams which is about 1-2 teaspoons. Personally I would rather have my clients bring in more than they think I may need, to ensure that I have enough.
With smaller animals such as rats, mice, etc. you may not be able to collect 3-5 grams. For these species we do the best we can with the available sample size. Collecting over a 24 hour period will help to get close to that amount.
Horses are easy to collect an appropriate sample just bring in one “road apple”, as we say, and you have an adequate amount. It may not be reasonable to test each individual cow, goat or sheep if you have a large herd or flock. In this case we suggest a composite sample. To collect a composite sample, walk through the pen or pasture and with a plastic spoon scoop manure from multiple animals (from the ground is good) until you have at least 3-5 grams.
If your animal has any gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting diarrhea or any combination of the two, always bring in a sample for analysis. Many times these conditions are caused by gastrointestinal parasites and analyzing a sample is a necessary diagnostic tool.
Don’t assume that if your animals have been wormed or are on parasite preventives that they are parasite free. First; there is no one parasite treatment that will kill or prevent against all pathogenic organisms. Second; some parasites may be resistant to common wormers. I have a couple of Golden Retrievers patients that have routinely tested positive for parasites despite use of routine monthly preventatives. A special protocol was necessary for them, but I would not have been able to do it without frequent fecal screens.
Another reason for routine parasite exams is that some intestinal parasites are also transmissible to humans. Many of these parasites can cause life threatening and or life altering health concerns for you or your loved ones.
Don’t overlook this simple, inexpensive, and important diagnostic tool. Not only your animals’ health, but yours may also be at risk.