Fecals are fun! Fecals can be a part of your cat’s annual exam and are a great diagnostic tool for detecting GI tract concerns, intestinal parasites or protozoans such as giardia (‘beaver fever”). Fecals also assist in assessing intestinal bacterial growth. Your veterinarian will often recommend a fecal analysis if your cat is suffering from diarrhea, unexplained weight loss or generalized unthriftiness.
What is fecal parasite screen?
A parasite screen is a simple, in-hospital fecal analysis used to detect internal parasites. Only a small sample is required and results are typically ready same day. Sometimes repeat fecal analyses are required to rule out false negatives or to confirm treatment has been successful.
What does a fecal parasite screen reveal?
A fecal screen can give your veterinarian a better look at what is going on inside your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. We typically look for parasite eggs, giardia, the presence of blood in the stool and the overall bacterial activity. These few things can greatly assist your veterinarian in diagnosing your cat’s illness.
How is a fecal parasite screen done?
A small amount of feces is mixed into a specific fecal floatation solution. This then sits for 10 minutes to allow any parasite eggs to float to the top of the solution. A sample of the solution is then evaluated under a microscope for parasite eggs, giardia cysts, and bacteria growth.
Cat stool sample instructions?
A fresh sample is best, you can collect the stool sample right out of the litterbox. The least amount of litter on the sample, the better. Only a small sample is required and you can bring the sample to the hospital in a clean plastic container or Ziploc bag.
How much does a cat fecal exams cost?
To obtain an accurate quote for a feline fecal exam, give our office a call at 250-334-8400.
