How to perform your own fecal count

[CrazyHedgehog]

Ok,after reading about fecal counts a few times, I wondered what magic these were, turns out its just a vets assistant looking at prepared poop under a microscope and counting the worm eggs, well as I'm always skint, pretty sure I could do that! But how? What? Etc.

Two minutes later on google....
Fias Co Farm/Goat- How to run your own fecal samples (http://fiascofarm.com/goats/fecals.htm)
this link is for goats, but surely it's the same principle?

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Maybe you could ask a Uni if they'd do it for you...or at least tell you how to do one ?

[d_virginiana]

I think the biggest issue is identification. Like, it's pretty easy to identify a roundworm, but very difficult to get it down to species without an expert opinion.

[CrazyHedgehog]

Maybe you could ask a Uni if they'd do it for you...or at least tell you how to do one ?

The link has step by step instructions :D


I think the biggest issue is identification. Like, it's pretty easy to identify a roundworm, but very difficult to get it down to species without an expert opinion.

does it matter? (I don't know) if it is loaded with eggs, its a problem?
when you have a fecal count done do they identify the worm types?
Also the link has images to help with identification of the different types.

[gregmonsta]

does it matter? (I don't know) if it is loaded with eggs, its a problem?
when you have a fecal count done do they identify the worm types?
Also the link has images to help with identification of the different types.

It can for treatment. When my Everglades ratsnake had a worm problem certain treatments would have been ineffective. Some drugs provide a good general cover but won't eradicate certain types of worm.

[chris-uk]

When the vet I use only charges £12 for a fecal float it makes the cost of the equipment more significant (especially if you go the whole hog and use a recorded centrifuge to separate the sample).
Identifying the worms is an issue, I think Steve may be able to point you at a chart or book.

[guidofatherof5]

This is the book I have and the chart I use.
They are great but it's the experience in identification that I lack. I've got the tools but lack the talent, at this point.
It would be wise to bookmark that second website. Everything is priced at a fair and many are hard to get/find items.

Understanding Reptile Parasites: A Basic Manual for Herpetoculturists & Veterinarians (Herpetocultural Library - Spec): Roger Klingenberg: 9781882770212: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Reptile-Parasites-Herpetoculturists-Herpetocultural/dp/1882770218/ref=pd_sim_b_4)

Store (http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Parasitechart.html)

[d_virginiana]

They are great but it's the experience in identification that I lack. I've got the tools but lack the talent, at this point.


lol I don't think that ever goes away. Whenever we are asked to identify something outside of our field, there's a saying that "The answer is whatever an xxxx-ologist (depending on what you're looking at) says it is".

[guidofatherof5]

That book I provided the link for was the 1st edition. There is a second edition available. It is also available on eBook format on Amazon. You can also download a free app. from amazon "Kindle for PC" the eBook is on sale for $10.09. I downloaded the app. and bought the book today.

Amazon.com: Kindle for PC - Read Kindle eBooks on your PC (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000426311)

Amazon.com: Understanding Reptile Parasites (Advanced Vivarium Systems) eBook: Roger Klingenberg: Kindle Store (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Parasites-Advanced-Vivarium-ebook/dp/B009KSJXNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1367113944&sr=1-1&keywords=understanding+reptile+parasites)

[Invisible Snake]

I saw this being shared by The Reptile Report and it may help people who wish to perform their own fecal floats. The floats were done on chameleons.

HOW to do a FECAL FLOAT - VIDEO - Chameleon Forums (http://www.chameleonforums.com/how-do-fecal-float-video-111996/)

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for posting that link.

[Invisible Snake]

Thanks for posting that link.

You're welcome. I had you in mind when I posted the link. How's your progress coming along with doing your own fecal floats? I remember you had a microscope, etc.

[Foxrun402]

Here is yet another video, DIY: Reptile Fecal Exam - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBnSoCOb5W0)