How long is poop good for?

[makaveli]

I have a sick leo that is skinny and I don't think she is eating but she is still pooping? I want to take a fecal to the vet but I would like to know how soon do I have to take the poop to the vet before it goes bad? and what should I put it in to?

[Clownfishie]

First off, get the freshest sample you can -- put it into a ziploc baggie. If you can't take it into the vet right away, it should be ok in the fridge for up to 24 hours -- although obviously the sooner you take it in, the better. Hope that helps a bit...

[Neo]

my vet told me beyond day old fecals it's hard to find some of the bacteria and other stuff in the fecals.

[eyespy]

Even after just 2 hours, it becomes harder to find stuff. If you do refrigerate, put a wet paper towel in the plastic bag. Once the shells of oocysts from coccidia or crypto harden in response to lower temperatures and humidity they don't absorb stain very well and are hard to find. That greatly increases the chances they will be seen under the scope.