Dr. Marty Becker
Q : I'm taking my pet to a new veterinarian, and they've asked me to bring in a fecal sample. What's the best way to collect and store it, and how “fresh” does it need to be?
A: That's great. Fecal exams are important, as they can detect the presence of parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, giardia and coccidia, which can cause pets discomfort and disease. Worse, some are transmissible to humans.
A fecal exam should be performed at least twice a year, even if your dog takes parasite preventives monthly. Adult cats need a fecal exam at least annually, more often if they go outdoors.
Ideally, you'll collect a stool sample the same day you deliver it to the veterinarian. Take your dog out as you would normally, and when they poop, gather it up with a plastic bag, turn it inside out, then place it inside another plastic bag or disposable plastic container and seal it tightly. If you're not going straight to the veterinary clinic, store it in the refrigerator — inside yet another plastic bag — for up to 24 hours. Remember, though, that fresher is better.
For cat owners, the procedure is similar. It's best if you can get a sample uncontaminated by cat litter. For dogs or cats, you don't need to provide a full-size stool; the equivalent of a teaspoon is plenty.
Of course, wash your hands thoroughly after collecting the stool sample, even though they were protected by the plastic bag.
Normally, a fecal exam is a routine test, not an emergency situation. However, if your pet is constipated, strains to defecate or is passing a stool that is bloody, black, extremely hard or extremely liquid, get to the veterinarian right away for care.
— Dr. Marty Becker
THE BUZZ
Cat wins pet insurance award
A cat named Giles was awarded Nationwide's 15th annual Hambone Award — recognizing the company's most unusual pet insurance claim of the year — after being smooshed beneath a sofa bed. Some stitches at the nearby veterinary hospital fixed him right up. Runners-up were Jax, a pug with heatstroke, and Sunny, a Labrador retriever who shimmied his crate across a room so he could ingest three phone charger cables.
Withhold antibiotics when treating diarrhea
When your dog gets diarrhea, do you call the veterinarian for an antibiotic prescription? That may be counterproductive or even useless, according to a study by the U.K.'s Royal Veterinary College published earlier this month in the journal PLOS One. While antibiotics are prescribed for more than half of dogs presenting with uncomplicated diarrhea, the large observational study found no association between prescribing antibiotics and resolution of the condition. The majority of acute, or sudden onset, cases of diarrhea in dogs last two days or less, and regardless of the treatment prescribed, nearly 90% recover after the initial veterinary visit. Most dogs get diarrhea as a result of getting into something they shouldn't — dietary indiscretion — and typically respond well to supportive treatment, such as a bland diet. The researchers note that companion animals may act as a source of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria or resistance genes for their owners, given the close quarters they typically share. The gut microbiome can also be negatively affected by antibiotics. Fergus Allerton, co-author of the paper, says “Rational antimicrobial use is critical to defend ourselves and our pets against the growing threat from antimicrobial resistance. This study provides vital evidence to strengthen recommendations to withhold antibiotics when treating dogs with acute diarrhea.”
Turkish Angoras – a national treasure
In their homeland, Turkish Angoras are considered national treasures. A special breeding program at the Ankara Zoo helped protect the breed from extinction in the early 20th century.
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
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