Why Are Veterinarians Fascinated with Pets FECES
BY DR. NORETTE UNDERWOOD
Whether your veterinarian calls it a “fecal sample” or “stool specimen”, pet owners often wonder why their animal doctors have such a fascination with poop. As it turns out, checking your pets’ feces just might keep the people in your family from getting seriously sick.
Why does your veterinarian have such an interest in your pet’s stool?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that 3,000 to 4,000 human serum samples are sent to their labs every year with a presumptive diagnosis of toxocariasis, or, infection with roundworms or hookworms. What is known is that 36% of dogs across the country and 52% in the southeastern states carry worms. Many pet owners are unaware that their furry family members are capable of harboring these parasites.
Pets can come into contact with these parasites in the yard, in potting soil, at the dog park or even on our hands or feet after we come inside from working in the garden or after taking a walk. The larva and eggs of these parasites are simply abundant in many places.
Most people understand that veterinarians are checking fecals as a means to find intestinal parasites, more commonly known as “worms”. The veterinarian is not looking for whole adult parasites. They are looking for microscopic eggs and protozoans that may inhabit your pet.
First, the feces are mixed with a sugar or salt solution. Breaking up the stool allows any infective eggs to enter the solution.
After about 10 minutes, the suspension is then allowed to sit with a microscope coverslip placed on top. The eggs and most parasites will float to the top and adhere to the coverslip. A veterinary assistant can then take this sample and review it under a microscope. Any positive specimens are discussed with the veterinarian and an appropriate deworming medication can be prescribed.
This process may not sound appetizing to most readers, but these tests are an important part of a veterinarian’s dedication to your pets, but also to public health as a whole. The CDC, the Companion Animal Parasite Council and the American Animal Hospital Association all recommend regular fecal testing for all pets.
Dr. Norette L. Underwood is the veterinarian at Trumann Animal Clinic. You may contact her with questions at firstname.lastname@example.org