By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
Why does my veterinarian constantly ask me to bring Fido’s poop sample in? What makes it so important?
We veterinarians place importance in fecal samples both for the health of your pet and your and your family’s health. We aren’t just talking about looking for worms here either. Intestinal parasites range from worm-like creatures to single celled organisms called protozoa.
Roundworms and hookworms are the most common worms that we will find in a sample and are more prevalent in puppies and adult pets that are not on preventions, these parasites are zoonotic (able to spread from animal to humans) and can cause significant diseases. Roundworms can cause visceral larval migrans in people where the larval stage of the parasite can migrate through and cause damage to organs such as the liver and the eyes.
Hookworms can cause cutaneous larval migrans in people where the larva migrate under the skin. Our pets can harbor these parasites without showing any symptoms but they can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly even anemias. Other worm-like parasites that can be detected in a fecal sample are lungworms (yes, they do cause issues with the lungs) and flukes.
Protozoa are microscopic parasites that may also be zoonotic to people. These usually will cause diarrhea and possibly vomiting in your pets. They will encyst and cause irritation to the intestinal tract and can cause chronic infection. Giardia and coccidia are two of the most common protozoal parasites that we see. This only scratches the surface of parasites that can infect your pet and what a fecal exam can detect.
“But I don’t see worms in Fido’s poop so we shouldn’t have to check a fecal sample.” This is a common misconception. Most of the time the adult worms are not shed in the stool but the eggs. The eggs are microscopic, as are protozoa andeven some adult worms cannot be seen with the naked eye. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians don’t like playing with poop but it is key to maintaining your and your pets safety.
It is important to have your pet’s fecal sample checked at least once a year whether you own a cat or a dog and also whether it lives indoors only or in and out. Wildlife and other pets can spread parasites in the outdoor environment which is why it is important to pick up after your pet. Some of these parasites can survive in the environment for months to years. We can bring parasites into our houses on ourselves or even when we bring potted plants and other things inside. Most heartworm preventions will have intestinal parasite prevention for some of the more commonparasites, however they do not cover all
the parasites.
It may be a stinky subject, but is very important. Keep your pets up to date on their preventions and get their poop checked. Give your veterinarian some crap today!
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce
5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107, St. Petersburg
727-289-3776
islandlifeanimalhospital.vet