Parasite Testing
About
Parasite testing involves a combination of medical tests designed to diagnose and identify the presence of parasites in your pet’s body. Since pets often spend time outdoors, especially during warmer months, they are highly susceptible to parasites due to exposure to high-risk environments. These parasites can include fleas, ticks, heart-worms, intestinal worms (i.e., roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms), and protozoa (i.e., giardia and coccidia), some of which may not be visible to the naked eye. Although these parasites may appear harmless, they can significantly affect your pet’s health and quality of life, leading to symptoms like skin irritations, weight loss, digestive issues, and potentially more severe complications if left untreated. In addition to affecting your pet, some of these parasites can also be transmissible to humans, posing a risk to your health as well. For this reason, parasite testing is crucial for identifying these parasites before they can harm the health of both you and your pet.
Below is a list of samples commonly tested in the laboratory to detect parasites:
Fecal
- Fecal Flotation test: Conducted to identify parasite eggs
- SNAP tests: Conducted to identify infections
- Fecal samples, preferably less than 24 hours old, are commonly examined for intestinal worms (i.e., roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms) and protozoa (i.e., giardia and coccidia) in your pet’s digestive system. Although intestinal worms may not be visible to the naked eye and typically remain within the body, microscopic eggs are often shed in the feces and can be identified through this test. Some samples may also be sent to pathology labs to detect other infections, including salmonella. In addition to identifying parasites and infections, fecal tests are routinely performed during wellness exams and are the most common diagnostic tool for diagnosing diarrhea.
Blood
- Blood samples are collected to detect heartworm disease and other blood-borne parasites. Along with fecal tests, this laboratory test is commonly performed during routine wellness exams.
Skin Scrapings or Swabs
- Skin samples are commonly collected to identify external parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks, which are known to carry vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma.
How Serious are Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites can have varying effects on your pet’s overall health. In general, these parasites can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin irritations, weight loss, digestive issues, and potentially more severe complications. Below is a list of common parasites and their typical impacts on your pet’s health:
Fleas & Ticks
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on your pet’s blood, causing itching, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even anemia in severe cases. They are most active in warm weather and can infest your home, living in carpets, bedding, and furniture. Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to your pet’s skin and can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease (causing joint pain, fever, and kidney issues), Ehrlichia (which can lead to anemia, bleeding, and neurological problems), and Anaplasma (resulting in joint pain, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite). Ticks are more active during cooler months and are often found in grassy or wooded areas where they latch onto pets or people passing by.
Heart Worms
Heartworms are a life-threatening parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito carrying the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. While heartworms primarily affect dogs, cats can also be at risk. As the parasite matures into spaghetti-like worms, it can cause severe damage, leading to heart failure, lung disease, circulatory problems, kidney damage, weight loss, and even death. In the early stages, pets may show no obvious symptoms, but as the disease progresses, they may experience coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. Regular heartworm testing and preventive treatments are crucial to protecting your pet from these serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
Roundworms
Roundworms are a common intestinal parasite, particularly in puppies and kittens, that can be transmitted from mother to offspring during pregnancy, birth, or through exposure to contaminated environments, often via fleas. In adult pets, roundworm infections may be asymptomatic, but young puppies and kittens are more likely to show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a potbellied appearance as the larvae migrate throughout the body. Fortunately, roundworm infections are easily treatable with deworming medication and can be prevented with regular fecal testing and deworming treatments.
Hookworms
Hookworms are a serious intestinal parasite that primarily affect puppies and kittens. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, which can lead to blood loss, severe anemia, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin irritations. This highly contagious parasite can be transmitted from mother to offspring during pregnancy or birth, or through exposure to contaminated environments. Fortunately, hookworm infections are treatable with deworming medication and can be prevented with regular fecal testing and routine deworming treatments.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are common intestinal parasites that primarily affects the intestines of dogs and cats. They attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients from the pet’s digestive system, potentially leading to anemia, digestive issues, itching, and overall discomfort. While tapeworms are generally not life-threatening, if left untreated, they can cause more serious complications. Fortunately, tapeworm infections are treatable with deworming medication and can be prevented with regular flea control and routine deworming treatments.
Giardia
Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that primarily affects the intestines of dogs and cats. It is typically transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil, or food. While giardia infections are not usually life-threatening, they can cause severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Fortunately, giardia infections are treatable with antiprotozoal medication and can be prevented through good hygiene practices, and regular stool exams.
Coccidia
Coccidia are common intestinal parasites that can affect both dogs and cats, especially young, immune-compromised, or outdoor pets. When ingested, the parasite’s oocysts invade the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation, damage to the intestinal wall, and complications with nutrient absorption. While coccidia infections are often asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, significant dehydration, and lethargy. Though not typically life-threatening, if left untreated, coccidia can lead to more serious complications. Fortunately, coccidia infections are treatable with antiprotozoal medication, antibiotics, and probiotics, and can be prevented with good hygiene practices and regular stool exams.
Given the risks posed by parasites, it’s essential to take proactive preventive measures to protect your pet’s health and well-being. The frequency of parasite testing depends on several factors, including your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and environment. As a general guideline, puppies and kittens should have a fecal test during their first vet visit (around 6-8 weeks of age), with follow-up tests every 3-6 months. For adult pets, an annual parasite test is typically sufficient, but if your pet spends more time outdoors or travels frequently, more frequent testing may be necessary. Senior pets or those with compromised immune systems should undergo more frequent testing, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of parasites and other health conditions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health or preventive care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our veterinary team.
