Parasite infections in pets can lead to discomfort, health complications, and even pose risks to the people around them. At The Hometown Veterinarian, we utilize a far more accurate and sensitive method of detecting intestinal parasites than what’s commonly available at other veterinary clinics. Our advanced fecal testing ensures your pet stays healthy and parasite-free.
Why Fecal Testing for Parasites is Important
Fecal testing is essential for identifying intestinal parasites that can go undetected in your pet’s digestive system. Common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia can cause digestive upset and more serious health issues. Many of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed on to humans. Regular fecal testing for dogs and cats is key to protecting both your pet’s health and your family’s well-being.
Not all intestinal parasites are addressed by common dewormers, so fecal parasite exams are important even in puppies that are receiving regular deworming. In addition, adult dogs should undergo fecal parasite testing every six months. This is crucial even if your dog is on heartworm prevention or other parasite prevention, as these medications may not cover all types of parasites.
Our Superior Method for Fecal Testing: AI-Powered & Centrifugation Technology
The Vetscan Imagyst has been a game changer for the detection of intestinal parasites. It’s more than just a "fecal test." We centrifuge every sample to achieve extremely accurate results, ensuring we detect intestinal parasites with much higher sensitivity than traditional methods.
Since implementing this approach, we’ve been amazed by how much more effective it is at identifying parasites compared to the standard fecal tests used in most veterinary facilities. Once we adopted this advanced method, we saw a dramatic increase in parasite detection rates. In fact, the commonly used passive fecal floatation test still employed by many clinics has been shown to miss parasites around 50% of the time.
Having such a sensitive test is crucial because ensuring that our patients are truly "worm-free" protects not only their health but also the health and safety of the families who love them.
With this superior method, we are able to accurately identify a wide range of parasites, including but not limited to:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Coccidia
- Giardia
The difference is clear: passive fecal floatation tests often rely on gravity alone, allowing lighter parasite eggs to be missed, while our centrifugation method ensures that all potential parasites are isolated and detected.
How Our Fecal Testing for Parasites Works
The process is simple and non-invasive:
- You provide a fresh stool sample from your pet.
- We perform a fecal centrifugation test, spinning the sample to separate parasite eggs and particles for a more precise analysis.
- Our Vetscan Imagyst system uses high-resolution imaging combined with AI to scan the sample, offering unparalleled accuracy by eliminating the potential for human error.
This approach offers greater reliability than outdated testing methods, providing peace of mind that your pet is truly parasite-free.
When Should You Test Your Pet for Parasites?
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), fecal exams should be conducted “at least four times during the first year of life” for puppies and kittens, and at least two times per year in adults, depending on their health and lifestyle factors.
We recommend following these guidelines closely. More frequent testing may also be necessary for:
- Puppies or kittens (even if they are receiving regular deworming)
- Pets with digestive issues
- Pets who travel or spend a lot of time outdoors
- Multi-pet households
Routine fecal parasite testing ensures that parasites are caught early and treated before they can cause further harm.
Protecting Your Pet and Your Family from Parasites
Accurate fecal testing for intestinal parasites is crucial not only for your pet’s health but also for the safety of your household. Many parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from pets to people. By using our advanced detection methods, we help ensure that your pet is parasite-free, keeping both your pet and your family safe.
The Hometown Veterinarian Difference in Fecal Testing
At The Hometown Veterinarian, we pride ourselves on offering advanced diagnostic services that go beyond the standard. Our use of the Vetscan Imagyst system and fecal centrifugation makes our parasite testing far more reliable than the passive fecal floatation methods used in many other clinics. This superior accuracy is just one way we provide elite-level care for your pets, ensuring their well-being and yours.