A fecal flotation test is normally used to detect the fecally-shed eggs (and sometimes the larvae) of various parasitic worm species as well as the oocysts shed into the droppings by various, replicating protozoan organisms.
The results will help the trainers to decide whether if it is time to deworm the horses.
The equipment that we are using for this test is the Fecalyzer®.
Steps:
- Lift cap and remove green insert. place 1 gram of fecal sample into valve can fill it the FECALYZER® Flotation Medium.
- Rotate green insert vial back and forth to separate ova from fecal sample. Mix thoroughly
- Seat green insert vial firmly in place.
- Fill holder completely with additional FECALYZER Flotation Medium to the brim to form a meniscus.
- Cover the float 22mm cover slip on meniscus for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the cover slip to a microscopic glass slide and examine it under the microscope under 40-100x magnification.
Here are some of the pictures or parasite eggs:
- Isospora oocyst (extreme close-up - 1000x) starting to undergo maturation to its infectious state
- A Spirometra tapeworm egg under 1000x oil immersion.
- a Whipworm or Trichuris vulpis egg under 1000x oil immersion.
pictures taken from: http://www.pet-informed-veterinary-advice-online.com/fecal-flotation.html
Regards,
Joash Ong(0702657H)
Hey Joash!
ReplyDeletejust to double confirm, this test, is it applicable for humans? cos i saw your link, its from veterinary advices. haha.anyways, jus curious. what is the clinical significance of having them in the fecal?
THANK YOU!
Joanna Yeo!
0702054H
Hey joash
ReplyDeletea question here, what does it mean by deworming? how do you do it? thanks!
zi shuang
Hello,
ReplyDeleteFinally a post on parasitic infection! We mustn't forget this group of microorganisms other than bacterial and viral infections.
Joash,
Besides oocyst and eggs, would you expect to see vegetative forms of the parasite in fecal specimens? If yes/no, why?
Reply to Joanna:
ReplyDeleteYes. It is also applicable for humans as human will also have parasite eggs present in the fecal. And they also uses fecal flotation to detect the presence. This will help to maintain the health and well being of the animals, horses in my case.
Reply to Zi Shuang:
ReplyDeleteDeworming refering to the process of getting rid of intestinal parasite such as ringworm and tapeworm by administering antihelminthics drugs which are drugs which removes parasite worms
Reply to Dr Alex Lee:
ReplyDeleteThis i am not too sure about it. But i would guess that vegetative form will also exist in fecal samples as no matter whether it is in the vegetative form or its infectious state, it will still be flush down in the intestinal tract and be present in the fecal sample. Thats my personal opinion.
Hey Joash,
ReplyDeleteWith "deworming" in mind, is this done routinely to the horses because the worms can be found in their feed or something?
Yvonee
0703189A
To clarify, whether the vegetative forms are present or not in the fecal specimens is dependent on the nature of the parasite and conditions of the fecal matter. It is sometimes possible to find vegetative forms of certain parasites in loose/wet stools than in dry hard stools.
ReplyDeleteHi Joash!
ReplyDeleteIs there any signs&symptoms present if the horse is infected with parasite worms? And what are the outcome??
Thanks!
eriko 0700477C
Hello Joash,
ReplyDeleteWhere are you?