Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i finally have time to take my female to the vet tomrrow to check for possible parasites. my appointment is at 10am, so i grabs todays poop, its still soft, in a wet paper towel in my fridge. Will this sample be okay for tomorrow? she wont be able to poop before 930.

how do they test for parasites? do they examine the poop to actualy look for the parasites? how soon do the parasites die off from the poop?

thanks
Mike

I copied the following info off of Melissa Kaplan's website.

Collecting Samples for Testing:
The safest and neatest way to collect a fecal sample is to turn a clean (not previously used) zip-lock plastic bag inside out over your hand. With your fingers and thumb protected by the plastic, use them to scoop up the fecal mass. While holding the feces in your grasp, use your other hand to pull the zip-lock edge of the bag down and over your hands, turning the bag right-side out. Your grasping hand will now be outside the bag and the feces inside.

Zip up the bag, and place that bag inside another zipped bag. With a marker or on a label you stick to the bag, write the date, the beardie's name, and species.

You can store the fecal sample in a cool place for up to four hours before delivering it to the vet. You can store it overnight in the refrigerator if you need to. Since excess heat or cold can kill the organisms in the feces, thus defeating your purpose for collecting it to begin with, don't freeze it, or leave it in your car on even a mildly warm day.

If you are not able to get a fecal sample to take with you on your visit to the vet, ask the vet if is will be okay to drop off a sample as soon as you get one. This should be fine with the vet. Neither you nor the beardoe need to be there when the sample is actually tested. Since the vet will measure and weigh your beardie during your visit, if your beardie needs to be treated for worms, the vet will be able to calculate the dosage and measure out the amount you will need for the 2-3 doses needed. You can then pick up the medication and administer it home. Or, you can bring the beardie back to the vet for the first dose so you can see how it is done. You can then administer the subsequent doses at home on your own.

Good luck.

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons