In honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Month this September, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers about pets undergoing routine fecal testing at the vet’s office and why it’s necessary.
A pet’s medical needs vary with age, so it’s critical to discuss your pet’s needs at any particular stage of life with your veterinarian. In honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Month this September, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers about pets undergoing routine fecal testing at the vet’s office and why it’s necessary.
What Do You Test For?
The effects of intestinal parasites may vary substantially, depending on the type of parasite, parasite burden, and your pet’s overall health. Effects include:
- Roundworms in adult animals are often asymptomatic. However, severely infected adults or young pets might demonstrate signs of diarrhea, vomiting, a dull coat, weight loss, and a potbellied appearance.
- Hookworms penetrate the wall of the intestine, sucking blood from their host. This will result in your pet having anemia, lethargy, pale gums, and weakness.
- Whipworm infections often cause bloody diarrhea in dogs, debilitating them over time.
- Giardia often causes severe watery diarrhea, which might or may not be joined by vomiting and weight loss.
- Coccidia might cause diarrhea and other signs of illness in debilitated adult animals or puppies and kittens.
Why Test for Parasites?
Routine fecal testing is crucial to detect intestinal parasites in your pet. These parasites might include worms (hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms) and microscopic parasites such as Coccidia or Giardia. Parasites cause intestinal disease in dogs and cats, and some can also be infectious to humans. Testing allows us to screen for parasites and intervene before they cause an issue in your pet or home.
Exposure Risk and Prevention
Even inside pets can be exposed to intestinal parasites, but the more time your pet spends outside or around other pets, the more likely they are to come into contact with parasites. Monthly heartworm preventatives are effective at controlling intestinal worms, but infections can still occur. Shown to be safe, your dog or cat can receive year-round parasite control with Sentinel Spectrum. These chews help prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and treat and control intestinal parasites in pets, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Annual Lab Work – Fecal Screening
Annual fecal testing is recommended to ensure your pet is free from parasites. Fecal testing must be done on fresh feces. Your vet might request that you bring a fresh sample from home, or they might collect a small sample from your dog’s rectum. The sample is checked for the presence of parasite eggs as well as antigens. The antigen test detects parasites before they begin replicating, which allows us to intervene earlier. This test can be done as a standalone test or as part of a comprehensive diagnostic panel. Talk with your veterinarian to see which option best fits your pet.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook