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LaFlaca

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    Hookworm!

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Bizeebee said:

    Kudos to your commitment :)

    Here's a decent powerpoint about the process (not dog specific) https://www.nwvetstanwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Fecal-Examination-for-Parasites_2015_ppt-1.pdf

    This is a nice, simple how-to video of the process  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe7v-xjiPww

    Some of the explanations/videos talk about using a centrifuge, which I'm guessing no one has laying around, or really wants to buy. I think without one you just have to take your time dissolving the solution and waiting for things to float up.

    So, there's obviously a few additional supplies you'll need, gloves, mixing container, sampler tool, straining cloth, and the slides for the microscope. One thing I noticed when I was looking was to make sure that the microscope you are choosing comes with slides, or you know the right ones to purchase in addition if it doesn't. With this style of sample/slide, you'll definitely need a microscope that lights from below. And, from my reading reviews when I was considering it, you definitely get what you pay for in microscopes - you don't have to break the bank, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Since, microscopically speaking, these eggs are large you don't need a scope with the strongest possible magnification, but if you're willing to pay a little more a lot of them will hook up to a computer and you can see the images a lot better than through the eye piece.

    The other big thing you'll have to source is going to be the solution material, and since having the right specific gravity is important it's probably better to buy commercially made produce rather than mix your own.

    This is just a google of 'fecal float solution' https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=fecal+float+solution 

    I'm guessing some sources don't sell to consumers that aren't vets, but this link is showing it a WalMart online, so I think you definitely can find it.

    Here's a nice list of how the different eggs/organisms look under the microscope - http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/fecal-float.html

     

    Apologies if you're already familiar with using a microscope, but if you aren't I just wanted to say that (I think) it does take a bit to get used to it. I always had a heck of a time using one in school, getting my eyes to adjust looking into this teeny tiny hole and then having to search for or count things...it was tough. So, if you do take this plunge, try not to get discouraged :)

     

    Thanks, Bizeebee!

    Hookworm!

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted · Edited by LaFlaca
    because I can't think and type at the same time. : /

    On 4/19/2019 at 12:06 PM, Bizeebee said:

    Interesting, that's good to know. Weird that a fecal float doesn't detect adults - but your float definitely could have just missed seeing eggs. At least that means the Drontal should be worth it.

    As far as wishing for a cheaper test, B) there is a way, but it involves some investment up front and your time. I looked into it but didn't end up pulling the trigger, but you can get a decent microscope on Amazon and run your own floats as often as you want. It's kind of an involved process (a lot of steps) and pretty gross (first step is to make poop water), but can definitely be done. I know I had found pretty good instructions for doing so on the web, back when I was thinking about it.

    Can you share the link on how to do a float, please?

    New Owner - Dry Flaky Skin, Now Rash

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    I went through something similar with Lola. She had dandruff, her skin turned as red as a strawberry and she became violently itchy. Lastly, she developed hives all over her body. Her anus was extremely itchy, too. Vet recommended I start with food elimination so she put Lola on a hydrolized food. shot her up with cortisone and antihistamine and sent us home with script for same. No improvement.

     

    When it became obvious that food was not the issue, the vet prescribed Apoquel. Worked like a charm.

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