Parasitological examination

Description

Unless otherwise stated on the application form, the parasitological examination of dog faeces is carried out by the standard flotation method. For this test, fresh, soil-free faeces of approximately 20 g (i.e. the size of 2-3 walnuts) should be sent, preferably collected over a period of 2-3 days. Fresh faeces should be stored at refrigerator temperature, protected from drying or freezing, and sent to the laboratory as soon as possible.

If Giardia is suspected, flotation testing of three faecal samples collected on three different days is recommended to increase the detection of irregularly-secreted cysts.

In indicated cases in dogs, flotation may be supplemented by other coprological examinations such as faecal examination with a native preparation, simple staining for cryptosporidium, larvoscopic examination (diagnosis of lungworm larvae, e.g. in cough) or sedimentation examination (diagnosis of flukes or Dipylidium caninum tapeworm eggs). 

If you have special requirements, it is advisable to indicate on the application form which other specific examinations you are interested in.

In dogs, it is also possible to identify parasites caught by the owner or veterinarian. Isolated samples of endoparasites or parts of endoparasites (e.g. tapeworm cells) should be placed in resealable tubes, eppendorf tubes, specimen cups or zip-lock bags and fixed in ethanol, 10% formalin and moistened with saline or at least water, as appropriate. Be sure to include in the specimen description the type of fixation and the source of the parasite (e.g., puppy vomit, conjunctival sac, from anus, from faeces after deworming, etc.).

Place hair, skin scrapings or ectoparasite samples in resealable tubes, eppendorf tubes, specimen boxes or zip-lock bags. If necessary, the parasite can be fixed in ethanol or 10% formalin and this should be noted in the specimen description.

Price list is here.