Question about microscopesQuestion about microscopes

[SCReptiles]

I am wanting to be able to perform floaters (test stool samples for parasites) in my lab. How powerful of a microscope will I need to purchase to perform this operation.

[C.m.pyrrhus]

Not a very strong one. The stronger the power, the darker the resolution and the harder it is to see what your looking at. Much like how a telespoce works, same deal. The power does not need to be all that high to see any parasites, be it worms or mites. I cannot remember off hand what we had at the hospital, but you could see results under the weakest resolution once you knew what it was your looking at.

Floatation tests are simple to do, and your average microscope is gonna do the trick. I would get familiar with the different parasites and what not by picking up some medical books. You can even do fecal tests on your other pets, if you have any that is. You can even do blood smears and other things like skin scrappings for other tests ideas to run. Microscopes allow more than the simple fecal floatation. Good idea you have to get one.

[BoidKeeper]

I just picked up a real nice microscope and was going to be asking the same questions.
Thanks guys,
Trevor

[C.m.pyrrhus]

Nice thing about microscopes is what they can do for the average person. Even looking at an onion peel to look at the chlorophyll is cool. But for us herpers they come in handy. Anyone can get familiar with the different parasites to look for in fecal tests. One should also get familiar with looking at blood cells, other body cells, and other options of what to look for in tests. Fecal tests are just one option out there. It is pretty interesting to say the least at what is available to look at to monitor the health of animals. If you have other animals, such as household cats and dogs, there is even more usuage there for you.

I am far from being an expert, and I know many folks here that can put even more info than I can on this subject. I just wanted to get the point across that there should not be a limit to what you can do. Once learned, microscopes do a good many things.

[latazyo]

not to mention the disseection microscope, which would also be able to see parasites, however, you could actually put your animal on the stage and look at cuts, bruises, sex organs, etc

[SCReptiles]

Here is some marvelous information volunteered by the great Ms TT and Snakegetters.

http://www.snakegetters.com/demo/vet/equip1.html

[Scales Zoo]

wow, that was a good link Chuck (for more than just microscopes) - thanks for sharing.

Ryan

[BoidKeeper]

Here's what mine looks like,
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289Microscope-med.jpg
I know nothing about them or how to test for paracites. Then again there was a time when I knew nothing about snakes. That's what I love about this hobby there is always something to learn!
Cheers,
Trevor

[Cruciform]

I was thinking of trying to find one with USB or Firewire support.

A few years ago a friend got his kid a toy one that supported USB and it was pretty cool. No having to squint through an eyepiece, everything displays on screen :)

[SCReptiles]

Ryan, this is the best website I have seen for venomous snake information. All hot keepers need to resource these people. They have done a great job! Don’t thank me, thank them! ha ha

www.snakegetters.com