Re: Can I learn how to do fecal exams?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kurtilein
ill be the pessimistic guy and say: No, without some really expensive lab equipment and months/years of studying it wont be possible.
microscopic analysis, and to solve it and centrifuge it, that are just basic steps. Thats preparation, what follows is biochemical analysis, you search for chemical markers or for specific proteins, produced either by parasites themselves or by immune responses to the parasites. Often if they find something under the microscope or during preparation, they follow up with a biochemical test to confirm it and to make it a solid diagnosis.
But you can cut out the middle-guy, which would be the vet. Here is how vets do it: They get test kits from the lab, get a poop sample properly collected and prepared using the test kit, send it in to the lab, get back the results. The price of the lab testing is included in the price of the test kit. So you can just buy the test kits directly and send it in directly, without a vet. Some excellent pet stores have them for sale, otherwise: internet. Its the best way when people want to screen a larger collection for certain issues, and want professionalism and a reliable result but low cost.
Not that its not possible you just greatly increase the chances you wont be able to correctly ID things found...also lab gear/equipment can be found very cheaply at 2nd lab/science gear type stores...there are a bunch online..and they tend to be located in towns/cities with large research universities/R&D companies.
Re: Can I learn how to do fecal exams?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sita
No idea where you're getting your info from, but this type of analysis is rarely done. It seems the OP is asking about a typical exam that looks for parasite eggs that can be done at the vet clinic in 10 minutes. The testing you're talking about sounds like something we'd do for an ongoing issue with a sick snake for which we can't find a cause for illness.
Cost-wise, our clinic charges $15 for a float AND smear, in which we look for parasite eggs and giardia. The exam fee is usually what costs more, about $45 here, but in Indiana at least, it is required by law for the vet to examine an animal at least once a year before being able to prescribe any medication. It's referred to as a doctor-patient relationship.
Yep. Ditto. There is a reason why vets exist. Sure you could do it on your own, to screen if you're concerned. But you should always follow with a vet if your suspicions ring true; there is no way you can provide your own confirmation or treatment without going through years of education and training and becoming a CVT or DVM. Find a vet that you trust and respect, who also specializes in exotics (especially with snakes). That will be worth more than collecting a compound microscope, centrifuge, conical centrifuge tubes, specialized fecal analysis solution, microscope slides and cover slips. Oh yeah, and stressing yourself out with every little fleck you see under the microscope. Believe me, you will think EVERYTHING looks like a parasite egg/ova or protozoan. I know because I've learned and I now teach. You're better off dropping $60 or so for an expert's diagnosis... We often forget that pets cost more money that just housing and feeding... But that's my soap box and I'll get down now.
Can I learn how to do fecal exams?
Last year I spent 1300$ on fecals. This year I bought a basic kit and hope not to feel the need to check every snake but to limit it to the ones I am unsure of. I don't think anyone is suggesting a vet is not needed but it is a good option to pre screen and hopefully save some cash.
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