Horses with high egg counts experience loss of appetite, poor growth, weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, coughing in foals, and colic. If left untreated, these symptoms could pose a threat to your horses life. Some owners choose to forego testing and routinely administer deworming solutions. While this is not likely to harm the horse, it does contribute to parasite treatment resistance. Like antibiotics in humans, horses natural body defenses can build up a resistance to routinely used medicines. According to the website Equidirectory.com, horses have already developed resistance to the 3 classes of drugs used to treat the most common equine parasite, Strongyles. Since only 20% of horses have parasites, 80% of those treated without pre-testing and a targeted response are contributing to this problem.

Parasites in animals can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, distended abdomen, respiratory issues, malnutrition, and loss of appetite. Untreated, these lead to death. Some parasites can also be transferred to humans, causing the same symptoms.

Parasites in reptiles can cause lethargy, diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, depression, and reduced appetite, all resulting in a lower quality of life and even death. In addition, some of the parasites can be passed to humans and other mammals.

Parasites are common in birds, existing in up to 50% of the population. In laying birds, it decreases their egg production, their feeding requirements, and impacts their general well being. In pet birds, they can suffer from diarrhea, lethargy, stunted growth, and the inability to gain or maintain a healthy weight.

Most veterinarians recommend every six months.

Fresh samples (within the last 5 days) are best for detecting worms. Older samples can be used unless the sample is completely desiccated.

About a teaspoon is sufficient. You may have to collect a few samples from very small animals. You may collect for up to 10 days, placing each days sample in the same bag and storing it in a freezer.

Time, heat, and cold will not have a significant impact on the outcome of the test. In hot and humid weather, some types of eggs may hatch, but the larvae instead of the egg will be visible. Mold or fungus may accumulate on the sample, but will not occlude the parasite eggs. The only significate impact on an examination is if the sample has dried out over a period of months and is desiccated.

While we test samples and provide results usually within one business day, it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive depending on where it is coming from. The USPS is experiencing the same staffing shortages post COVID that most businesses are dealing. This is impacting delivery times significantly for most businesses using the mail. UPS and FedEx are having difficulties as well. The best way to support a quick delivery is to package as instructed to prevent leaking, collect the appropriate size of sample, and flatten the envelope (with sample) so that it can easily pass through the postal sorting machines. It is also helpful to track the mailing.

We use the same process that has been used by veterinarians over the last 30 years. We use the same tools (microscope, centrifuge, and float solution) that vets use. That said, no test is 100% accurate and we do not diagnose illnesses. We inform you of the type and number of worms present in the sample. If your pet continues showing signs of poor health, you should consult your vet.

You can go to your vet for treatment, or you can use the information we provide to purchase a de-wormer at your local pet or farm store. We can provide the de-wormer for an additional fee. We recommend that you pick up and dispose of feces immediately to avoid contamination of the ground. and spread of the parasite. And finally, consult with a vet if your pet continues to be unwell.

There are several reasons this is possible, but rare: 1. It may be that the sample provided didn't happen to have any eggs present. 2. Sometimes the 'worms' seen in a sample are fly or other insect larvae deposited on the sample on the ground instead of internal parasites. 3. You may have seen a tapeworm. It is possible but difficult to identify Tapeworm in feces. If you see the worms, please take a picture of them and send it along with your sample.