Garrettsville Animal Hospital

WHAT IS A FECAL EXAMINATION?

A fecal examination is the microscopic examination of feces.  The test is indicated for pets with diarrhea, straining, lack of appetite, or vomiting.  Annual fecal examinations are also recommended for ALL animals as part of a yearly health exam, as well as on all puppies and kittens.

There are no contraindications to performing this test.  A negative result helps determine the health of a patient, and helps to exclude the presence of intestinal parasites.

What does a fecal examination reveal or demonstrate?

Fecal examinations are primarily performed to detect microscopic gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, coccidia, and tapeworms.  Some additional abnormal parasites known as spirochetes or flagellates can also be detected.

A positive test result indicates gastrointestinal parasitic disease.  Negative results from one fecal sample may be misleading.  Some parasites do not shed eggs consistantly so some samples may be negative even though the animal actually has a parasitic infection.  Repeat fecal examinations may be necessary to detect some elusive parasites.    Because of this, negative results are reported as NOS, No Ova (eggs) seen.

How is a fecal examination done?

A fresh fecal sample is obtained, either from the pet owner bringing it into the clinic, or obtained in the office.  The sample is mixed with a fecal flotation liquid and centrifuged for 5 minutes.  The sample is then topped off with more flotation liquid, and a cover slip is placed over top of the tube and allowed to stand for an additional 10 minutes.  During this time period the parasite eggs float to the top, and adhere to the cover slip, and can be detected on the microscopic examination.

The importance of a fecal examination is that some of the intestinal parasites can be zoonotic, meaning the parasites can affect humans.   This is especially important for in small children, the elderly and any immunocompromised person.