Broadway Veterinary Hospital / Fecal Tests for Cats and Dogs

Fecal/Stool Tests for Cats and Dogs

Testing feces/stool/poop for the presence of worms or worm eggs will diagnose many intestinal parasite infestations. We recommend these tests to identify parasites that may be a health threat to your pet and to your family. Our web site also has information about how to collect a sample.

For more information about why fecal tests are recommended, see the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation

The Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation is the most commonly run fecal test at Broadway Veterinary Hospital. This test should be performed once or twice a year. A Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation will find 100% of parasite eggs present in any given fecal sample, and is available through the outside lab for about the same price as the in house test. It is important to remember that worms are in the stool only 80% of the time when they are present inside the pet. It is possible that the worms may not be laying eggs, that the bit of feces tested does not have eggs in it, that the worms may be all one sex and therefore not laying eggs, or the sample size was too small. A Fecal Flotation by Centrifugation is the best method for detecting internal parasites. All of our fecals are run by Centrifugation. We also run a Fecal Giardia test by Elisa which is 95% accurate at detecting giardia when giardia is present in the sample.

Fecal Culture

A culture of the feces from your pet is performed to grow the specific bacteria present in your pet's stool. Once grown, the bacteria can be identified and is then tested for sensitivity to antibiotics that may be used to treat the your pet's disease. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is on the rise and is caused by using the wrong antibiotic on the wrong bacteria. It is best to make sure the medications are effective the first time.

Fecal Cytology

Cytology is the study of cells. Microscopic examination of a stained fecal smear can reveal the type of inflammatory reaction that your pet may be having. White blood cells and red blood cells can be evaluated to help determine the cause of your pet's illness.

Fecal Gram Stain

The Gram Stain helps us distinguish the type of bacteria that is present. Bacteria that stain blue with the Gram stain are called Gram Positive and bacteria that stain red are Gram Negative. In general, Gram Negative bacteria cause more disease and are more difficult to treat than Gram Positive organisms.

Fecal Smear

Fecal smears are made with a very small amount of feces. Parasite eggs, bacteria, and protozoa can be diagnosed with this technique. Smears are needed for all animals less than six months of age, all exotic animals, and all animals with diarrhea or intestinal disease. Fecal smears are best performed on a very fresh fecal sample collected during your pet's visit.