Egg counts explainedFaecal Egg Count (FEC) is a method of determining how many internal parasite Eggs are present in a particular stool sample. It may also be possible to determine the different types of worms or other parasites present. The information on both the number and type of parasites can be used to determine whether or not an anti-parasitic treatment is required.
If an animal has internal parasites the eggs produced by the adult parasites are often passed out in the poo. If eggs are found in a fresh stool sample it shows that worms are present in the animal.
The number of eggs found can provide a useful indication of the level of parasite infection, so a high egg count would suggest a high level of adult parasites in the animal.
What FecLab do with your sampleA measured amount of the stool sample is added to a measured amount of a solution (a flotation fluid) that allows the parasite eggs to float to the surface. The mix needs to be carefully measured so the results can be translated into a final ‘eggs per gram’ (or epg). The poo and the solution are mixed well and then strained through a sieve or cheesecloth to get rid of as much debris as possible The filtered solution is then stirred again and a small sample drawn off with a syringe or pipette for examination right away (eggs will start to float to the top as soon as the mix is left undisturbed).
The sample is place into a counting slide which normally has two chambers, each with a grid etched onto the top surface. One chamber is filled, the solution is stirred again and then the second chamber is filled.
The sample is then allowed to stand for a short while allowing the eggs to float to the surface where it is easier to see them under a microscope. Eggs that can be seen under the etched grid are then counted and identified, as necessary.
The Quantities of poo and flotation fluid that are mixed together determine the multiplication factor that is applied to the egg count result to give a final ‘eggs per gram’.
Regular worm count testingWith owners becoming more aware of the side affects and resistance that conventional wormers can present, many have chosen to invest their time in to natural worming programmes (and flea treatment), this includes regular worm count testing.
Regular worm count testing allows you to monitor the effectiveness of your worming programme and target any worm burdens directly. For those using conventional wormers, worm counts mean that you are only worming when necessary – due to a positive test, thus helping reduce the resilience to the ingredients in conventional wormers and limiting the chemicals entering your pets.
Natural worming and worm count testing can also be hugely beneficial for pets who are sensitive to the ingredients in conventional wormers. There are of course some situations where: a severe worm burden, pets that are poorly nourished or those that have a compromised immune system need to use conventional wormers.
Carrying out regular worm count testing allows you to monitor and target parasites ensuring you are only using chemicals as and when needed.
Giardia: You sell a separate test kit for Giardia so why do I need this kit if it is already included? Giardia is a protozoan (not a worm) and can cause illness in dogs. In younger and older dogs, or dogs with a weakened immune system, this can make them quite poorly. In this kit we do screen for Giardia. However, it is worth noting though that this is reliant on the cyst being present within the sample provided (the cyst shed intermittently). If your pet is showing symptoms relating to Giardia or if you would like to specifically screen for Giardia as part of your routine screening (some dogs show no symptoms) then we would recommend giardia antigen testing as this measures antigen levels.
Phone:
01565740777
Email:
hello@healthfulpets.co.uk
Location:
12 Dalby Court Gadbrook Business Centre Northwich Cheshire CW9 7TN
Northwich
CW9 7TN
