Fecal Exam
What is a fecal exam?
Fecal exams are a microscopic examination of your cat or dog's feces. The purpose of a fecal exam is to look for any infections that could be impacting the health of your pet, and possibly the health of everyone else in your household.
Why are fecal exams important?
One of the key uses of fecal testing is for checking the presence of parasitic worms. Many worms, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can be present in your pet’s intestines and get passed out through bowel movements. Some worms can be seen with the naked eye, however microscopic assessment provides in-detail examination of the presence of worms. In addition, fecal exams should be done when your pet is has any changes to their regular bowel movement, including increased or decreased urgency, frequency, and any changes to the consistency of the stool.
When should I bring in a sample?
Preparing for your pet's fecal exam is easy. Simply collect a fresh stool sample and bring it to your vet's office that day. For the most accurate results it is best to bring your pet's stool sample in to the vets clinic within 4 to 6 hours of collection.