DIY fecal

[KendraA]

Who does diy fecals? Just took my guy to the vest for his first one and it was $55. He's supposed to have a follow-up in a month to make sure his pinworms are gone--would love to be able to do these on my own for cheaper. Any tips?

 

[Taterbug]

I do, I got a kit from bearded dragon.co but it's worth getting them done at least annually by a vet - they have better equipment and will be experienced in identifying a wider range of parasites.

 

[KendraA]

Thanks! Would using the bearded dragon.co stuff to see if the pinworms are gone be a reasonable thing to do on my own, since I know he doesn't have other types of parasites? Or would you recommend returning to the vet for the follow-up?

 

[Taterbug]

I couldn't say, it's up to your judgement - it sucks that it costs so much. I'm not sure if they might cut a break for follow up screens? Anyway, The vet probably useses a centrifuge which is much more sensitive than a simple float (like the kits). I do fecal checks intermittently to give myself peace of mind (plus it's interesting to me and I get to use my microscope) but I would probably differ to the vet to confirm everything is cleared out. That's just me though.

 

[KendraA]

That makes sense. I'd rather be safe than sorry. It's billed as a "fecal direct with flotation, in house"--not sure if that involves a centrifuge, maybe I'll call and ask.

Do you do annual vet fecals by default, or only if there is a problem/change in appetite?

 

[Taterbug]

That makes sense. I'd rather be safe than sorry. It's billed as a "fecal direct with flotation, in house"--not sure if that involves a centrifuge, maybe I'll call and ask.

Do you do annual vet fecals by default, or only if there is a problem/change in appetite?

I do them by default with the annual vet visit. Of course, that's all personal preference too.