What do vets check for in a stool sample??

Hi,

Does anyone know what vets can see from a stool sample? I know they check for internal parasites, but is there anything else that they look for??

 

First we check the appearance of the stool. Is it firm, soft, liquid, hard as a rock? What color is it; is it brown, yellow, black and tarry? Is there a lot of hair in it? Is there fresh blood or mucous? These things can give clues to internal problems that may be lurking.

The stool is then mixed with fecal solution and either spun in a centrifuge or allowed to sit in a special container with a slide cover that will collect worm eggs and some organisms like coccidia. If the sample is spun, occasionally a layer of undigested fat will form on the surface. In that case, we might look for signs of pancreatitis or liver disease.

A small portion of the surface of the sample is then examined under a microscope. That's when we'd see worm eggs or coccidia, giardia or other microorganisms that may be present.

That's a routine fecal exam. There are more sophisticated tests, like occult blood, for specific diseases that can be done, but usually aren't unless we're looking for something specific.

 

Thanks for your reply - very informative. I'm wondering why my vet wasn't very keen to do the stool sample then? I spoke to a different vet tonight who seemed to think it was a great idea! It gets so confusing at times.

My usual vet is fantastic, but when I suggested taking in a stool sample she just said no, that they wouldn't really be able to see much from that. The vet I spoke to tonight said she thought I should take a sample in asap and then see a vet once the results are back. My cat seems ok apart from the fact that her stools are yellow and runny. She's also done a couple that are firmer, but a kind of weird white-ish colour. She hasn't vomited for 12 days now, her appetite is good. It seems that the only problem she has now is the stools.

 

White or clay colored stools can indicate liver disease or bile duct blockage. Has your vet done any bloodwork to check liver function?

Because the liver is capable of doing it's job even when 70-80 percent of it is diseased, sometimes bloodwork doesn't always give the answer, and a liver biopsy is necessary. So if your vet suggests one, don't be surprised.

I know you like your vet, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. I think that's probably what I'd do if I were in your situation.

 

Hi there,

Yes my vet did do bloods and checked the liver and kidneys. They all came back fine. Since chatting with the other vet I feel it is worth trying to get a stool sample - so that's my aim for tomorrow!

I don't feel that Cassie is ill enough to panic, yet I realise that I won't be doing nothing. I think the main thing is that she's eating and enjoying her food, is bright eyed and doesn't seem depressed or anything.

I suspect we'll just go through the necessary tests one by one and see if anything comes of it.

Thanks for your reply.

Ginny