Can I learn how to do fecal exams?

I find the prices of vets quite ridiculous for a fecal exam so I was wondering if I could learn how to do it myself. The school I attend has decently powered microscopes so I am just wondering cuz it would very cool for me to be able to do this myself

If you can get hold of the proper equipment, then yes, it's possible. The absolute best way to do fecals is to use a centrifuge; does your school have those? If not, you can use a Fecalyzer container. You'll also need Fecasol solution, slides, and coverslips.

The hardest part is identifying what you're looking at. If you're not able to learn from an exotics vet like I was, a decent book is essential. I don't know what's out there, but you could research online for that. Also, even if you're able to ID the eggs, not all parasites can be treated with over-the-counter medications. The other concern is making ABSOLUTELY sure that if you do decide to medicate with OTC stuff, that you get the right dosage. You can kill an an animal with the wrong dose.

How much are you paying?
I find fecals rather cheap. $10-15.

Usually 40 bucks. The only thing I'm not sure we have is a centrifuge. I have tried looking online for books but there is quite shortage

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.

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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.

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Any suggestions on a lab or how to find one? I have a few problem eaters I'd like to have tested.

Andy-:snake:

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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.

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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.

Doing your own fecal floats can be cost effective, worthwhile, and convenient if you have a lot of animals to check. Any time I find something that looks suspicious I will give that sample to the vet and have it sent to the lab. I actually discovered lungworms on two of our new guys last year (while still in quarantine of course!). We had the sample sent to a lab to confirm and the vet recommended the appropriate treatment.

Wow thanks guys! I appreciate it

http://www.beardeddragon.co/index.ph...product_id=201

It will not catch everything to be sure but it is a basic test that is easy. This super basic test will be able to screen larger eggs and common parasites ok. It at least can help with the routine testing and if thee is something odd then you can send a new sample to a lab. It can go a way to decide which animals need a better test done. An animal that seems healthy and home tests neg likely is free. If there is something odd then get the real test done.


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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.

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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.

You don't need to ID anything, all you need to do is to recognise what should not be there. Then you can send the sample to a lab for proper ID. If it looks normal and the snake is healthy it is a fair guess that it is clear.

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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.

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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.

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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