Fecal Sample Tests

[Memnoch]

Just wondering what fecal tests test for? (For ETBs, GTPs etc) Do you have to specify what you want done or do they (the vet) do it automatically?

I know crypto is checked for... Does anyone know if it is crytosporidium? or some other crypto species?

Anyways, if anyone knows of any vets in the Kingston area that will do fecal samples please let me know.

[drewlowe]

Crypto is cryptosporidium and no that can not be tested with a fecal. THey can only determine crypto with a stomach wash or a necropsy.

Fecals are to test for parasites like pin worms, round worms, coccidia. THings like that. and the vet will know what to look for without you telling him or at least he/ she should know.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

The main reason that folks get fecals done is to check for internal parasites. A vet can see other things as well, but usually to check others things they use blood tests or other methods for evaluation. When any test is done, the vet will tell you of the results and if anything out of the ordinary is occuring, and a good vet will discuss even what the normal readings of a test mean.

You do not need to ask the vet to look for anything, but merely state your concerns. Usually you will be "interviewed", for lack of a better word, to find out the problems and living situations of your animal before seeing the vet. This way the vet can determine what is going on and what to be more concerned about in that respect.

[skinheaddave]

One important point is that there are different types of tests that can be done. Most often, if nothing is specified, they will do a fecal floatation. This uses a floatation solution of a certain concentration to float parasite eggs free. The portion of the solution containing the eggs is then put on a slide and examined under a microscope.

The other common type of test is a fecal smear, which is very much what it sounds like. This will pick up some things that the floatation won't and visa-versa. Thus, it isn't a bad idea to get your vet to do both -- especially if one isn't turning up anything and you have a strong reason to suspect parasitism.

Cheers,
Dave

[Memnoch]

At the moment I really have no reason to suspect any sort of parasite, but since it was a WC ETB I figure I should do a comprehensive screening before I let it out of quarantine. I just want to make sure that it is clean before I let her out. So if any suggestions about what procedures / tests I should get done would be greatly appreciated... So far I have been assuming the worse, and changing the assumptions when I prove otherwise.

Drewlowe: Are you sure they can't test for Cryptosporidium via stool sample? I know that they can test it via stool samples in humans, so it should theoretically be the same shouldn't it?

[drewlowe]

Yes i know from experience. They can not test it through a fecal. My leos have tested postive through a necropsy and my beardies and corns through a stomach wash.

A stomach wash should only cost around 30-40 and will not harm the animal if done by a qualified vet or vet tech. They put a small tube down to the animals stomach and pump saline in and out of the stomach around 5-7 times then on the last one they keep the liquid and they have the sample sent of to a lab and you should have results in 1-2 weeks.

Ready for this one. a positive test is always positive!!!!!
But a negative could either be a negative or a positive. Gotta love it don't ya.

Edit forgot to mention this, my beardies and corns are all good they don't have crypto. But my leos have been diagnosed with crypto from a necropsy from a leo i had put to sleep cause i couldn't watch her suffer any longer.

[chas*e]

Cryptosporidium is tested through stomach cellular wash as stated before. Fecal floation is a means of detecting internal parasites

[reverendsterlin]

annual fecals standard stuff for any WC and other purchases in my collection.

[drewlowe]

Originally posted by reverendsterlin
annual fecals standard stuff for any WC and other purchases in my collection.

Same here!!!! actually i try to get them done every 6 months just to ensure nothing has came into my collection that is not wanted. This one goes mostly for lizards though, Any herp that eats insects and/or veggies should have a fecal done at least once a year because the food they eat could contain parasites. I will also only feed f/t mice or rats to my snakes because it helps lower the chance of a parasite getting in.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

I get em' free at work, so I am lucky, but still are cheap for the most part. My vet in Minnesota just charged me $10 a visit, heh, i was still lucky there...:D

[Linds]

It also depends what kind of fecal you get done. If it is just a standard fecal float it doesn't cover as extensively as one prepared via SAF preparation (this can identify stages that may have been missed in a regular).

[Memnoch]

I was quoted $25 for a fecal and $49 for an examine. Should I bother with the examine?

Also is a fecal sufficient? or should I do blood work as well?

Essentially what I'm asking is what is the best protocol to take when introducing a new specimen that is WC and potentially a fresh import?

[eyespy]

Bloodwork is a good idea when bringing in a WC animal because you can look for signs of bacterial or viral infection such as increased white blood cell count that might spread to the rest of your collection.

[reverendsterlin]

gram+ and - tests are good expecially on WC