Reading Fecals
We’d like to thank Cathy Collier Banks with the Goat Emergency Team on Facebook for the following information. We would typically share the link, but Meta is changing their file share policy, so we are sharing the data for reference in case it is destroyed by the platform.
Fecal Time
Fecal tests are just one of the tools that help keep our animals healthy in the battle against parasites. Knowing what parasite is affecting your animals will help determine if there is a need to deworm and if your dewormer is still effective. Studies have shown that deworming on a schedule or deworming just “because”, has created resistant worms and because of this, many dewormers aren’t as effective as they used to be.
When your animal shows signs of parasite infestation, it’s not always practical to wait for results to treat. However, it’s always best to go ahead and get a sample and send/take it in. Then wait 7 to 10 days and have another fecal done.
In non-emergent situations, you can send a sample to Mid America Agriculture Research lab. Fees are very reasonable and their turnaround time is fairly fast. Depending on what test you are wanting done, you may have to specify; coccidian or lung worm testing for example.
Mid America Ag only uses the “Modified Wisconsin Sugar Flotation” method on all fecal samples. Results are measured in pluses, with one plus (+) meaning low infestation, two pluses (++) medium and three (+++) high infestation. This method does make it difficult to determine if you should deworm or not. It’s always better to have an FEC (fecal egg count) if at all possible. This testing is done with a McMaster slide and is much more accurate.
For those doing their own fecals, please refer to our file:
Parasites and other testing:
Lungworm: They are sometimes very hard to find. You can actually do this on your own by putting some Fresh pellets in a single layer of gauze, float on top of room temp water overnight & you will see larvae or worms if there are lungworms.
Link to show you how:
For more in-depth information go to the Fecal – How To file: https://www.facebook.com/notes/goat-emergency-help-and-general-questions/fecals-learning-how-to-do-your-own/1984454238261366/
Other helpful sites:
Doing your own fecals? This chart can help you. We also have a more in-depth file here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/goat-emergency-help-and-general-questions/fecals-learning-how-to-do-your-own/1984454238261366/
DISCLAIMER:
It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is legally entitled to use any drug mentioned.
REMEMBER:
You are strongly advised to always discuss the use of medicines with your veterinarian.
Information provided within the Goat Emergency Team Facebook group is given based on breeder experience and research and NOT meant to go against diagnosis/treatment/advice of a licensed veterinarian. We are not veterinarians and information/suggestions/advice/recommendations made should not, nor is it intended to replace professional veterinarian and/or other medical advice. It is to be assumed that each comment made is “if it were my animal’.
DISCLAIMER: We are NOT veterinarians. Suggestions/recommendations are made based on breeder experience and research, so weigh the responses and make your own decisions. If in doubt, CALL A VET. Also keep in mind that we have lots of people in our group with a wide range of experience with goats: those just starting and those with MANY years of experience. Please weigh the suggestions given with this in mind. In the end, you as owner are responsible for your animal’s welfare and health.
A Licensed Veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted before starting any treatment or medication to check for accurate and effective treatments and medication routes and/or dosages.
Please note, that the author(s) is not a veterinarian or specialist in the medical needs for goats or other livestock or pet. This information is posted for your reference and comparison purposes only. The group and individuals that contribute (Admins, MOD’s, MIT’s) and its members try to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but NONE of us are veterinarians and we are only providing information from breeder experience and/or extensive research. ALWAYS contact a veterinarian if you have further questions or want to do something other than what is recommended on labels of products you buy and are using.
Information contained in the said group posters/files/comments/replies is not intended to be used for diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment. It is offered for informational use only. No responsibility is assumed by the group owner, administrators, moderators or moderators in training, or group members should the information be used in place of a veterinarian’s treatment/advice. There is no guarantee of any kind made for effectiveness or performance of group recommendations/suggestions.
We are not veterinarians, but offer suggestions based on breeder experience and research. Goat Emergency Team Facebook group, its owner, administrators, moderators and moderators in training shall assume no liability should you decide to follow our advice/suggestions/recommendations, nor do we endorse any of the medications/supplements that we recommend/suggest. Any member of said group offering advice for an injury or illness of animals is anecdotal based on the members experience only. No one is providing veterinary expertise. You should do your own research before giving medication of any kind to your animal.
A Licensed Veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted before starting any treatment or medication to check for accurate and effective treatments and medication routes and/or dosages.
When members request to join Goat Emergency Team Facebook group and acknowledge/agree by answering the questions when joining, they will have acknowledged/agreed to the above terms and release all liability. (Questions are: 1)”ALL” QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED… Are you at least 18 years old? Do you currently have an emergency? If so, what is it? 2) Do you acknowledge/agree that you will read the Announcements where our group rules are found? 3) We are not veterinarians. Suggestions are based on breeder experience and research. You are solely responsible for treating your animals and seeking veterinarian advice. Do you acknowledge?)
Always check with your veterinarian before administering any new drug or supplement. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses in your animals without consulting your vet. Medications are considered off label use unless FDA approved. Members are responsible for knowing what drugs can and cannot be used in food production animals and any drug withdrawal times. Information provided in this group should not replace good animal management practice in partnership with a veterinarian.
A Licensed Veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted before starting any treatment or medication to check for accurate and effective treatments and medication routes and/or dosages.
If the reader/member of the group uses the information without approval of a veterinarian, he/she is considered to be prescribing and assumes full responsibility. That is his/her privilege/right to do so, but group cannot/nor will not assume responsibility for his/her actions. Information and products suggested/recommended have no guarantees and we disclaim any/all responsibility or liability in connection with the use of the suggestion/recommendations of information and/or products. The extra-label use of any medicine in a food producing animal is illegal without a prescription from a veterinarian.
It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is legally entitled to use any drug mentioned.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
You are strongly advised to always discuss the use of medicines with your veterinarian.
Please refer to: Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA). https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/ AMDUCA.aspx. Fajt, V.R. (2011) Drug laws and regulations for sheep and goats. Vet. Clin. North Amer.: Food Anim. Pract., 27, 1–21. The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) has current label information including withdrawal times for all drugs approved for use in food-producing animals in the United States (www.farad.org). The USA Food and Drug Administration’s interactive website is available at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ animaldrugsatfda/index.cfm?gb=1.
Our group strives to keep the information up-to-date and correct, however, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability regarding the information contained in files or posters or posts, products, services, or related graphics utilized. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
A Licensed Veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted before starting any treatment or medication to check for accurate and effective treatments and medication routes and/or dosages.
DISCLAIMER: We are NOT veterinarians. Suggestions/recommendations are made based on breeder experience and research, so weigh the responses given and make your own decisions. If in doubt, CALL A VET. Also keep in mind that we have lots of people in our group with a wide range of experience with goats: those just starting and those with MANY years of experience. Please weigh the suggestions given with this in mind. In the end, you as owner are responsible for your animals health and welfare.