Contributors: Kenneth Simpson
Species: Feline | Classification: Lab Tests
Overview
- Examination of feces can be helpful in investigation of gastrointestinal disease
- Tests performed include:
- Bacterial culture and sensitivity: Fecal analysis: bacteriology: Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia (rare).
- Occult blood Fecal analysis: occult blood.
- Parasitology: Giardia, Cryptosporidia, Trichomonas, Toxacara, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Paragonimus kellicotti, Aleurostrongylus abstrusus.
- Proteolytic activity.
- Fat Fat.
- Virology, eg rotavirus Canine rotavirus.
Uses
Alone
- Detection of bacterial, viral and parasitic causes of gastroenteritis or diarrhea.
In combination
- Overall investigation of anemia Anemia: immune-mediated hemolytic.
- Diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Exocrine pancreatic insufficienc (rare); TLI test is better.
Sampling
Source of Test Material
- Rectal sample or freshly voided feces.
Quantity of Test Material
- 5 g.
Quality Control
Precautions
- Routine hygiene.
Sample storage
- Refrigerate if sample is not being mailed immediately.
Sample transport
- Package according to mailing Regulations .
- Transport median if required, eg for Salmonella.
Tests
Methodologies
- Varies with individual test, eg fecal sedimentation, fecal flotation, fecal culture.
Availability
- Routine.
Technician (Extrinsic) Limitations
- Experience required varies with test.
Result Data
Abnormal Values
- Enteritis.
- Ill thrift.
- Tracheobronchitis ( Filaroides rostratus) (pulmonary disease) Paragonimus, Aleurostrongylus.
- Pruritis ani.
- Vomiting (kittens) Vomiting.
- Maldigestion/malabsorbtion.
- Anemia.
Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.