• Parasite testing should be an important part of looking after reptiles in captivity.
• Stress factors of the captive environment can increase numbers and exacerbate signs.
• A 3 day pooled sample is ideal and may increase sensitivity but we are aware this may not be possible in many cases.
• A parasite faecal test is a "snapshot" in time and will be dependant on a number of factors i.e. a female that is laying eggs, or not.
ALL LEVELS OF TESTING WILL CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING PARASITES
PARASITE DETECTION PROBABILITY (SENSITIVITY): GOLD > SILVER>BRONZE
• Pinworms
• Other nematode or roundworm eggs/larvae
• Protozoa - Flagellated and ciliated protozoa, coccidia, entamoeba, others
• Pseudo-parasites ie from live prey or insects
• Cryptosporidium (Silver and Gold)
• Trematodes
• Tapeworm (ovae and hexacanth embryos)
*Specific names will be given where possible ie Isospora amphiboluri
SIMPLE STEPS
• Click "order now" and checkout to receive your parasite pack
• Fill out form and collect sample
• Post sample - envelope and stamp provided
• Results sent via e-mail in PDF format within 7 working days of sample receipt (extra day for crypto) unless stated otherwise
• Footnotes and advise shall be given. You must contact your veterinary surgeon for interpretation and treatment.
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Test Sensitivity |
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Parasite Test (R-PT) Reptiland Bronze Level. Pinworm numbers and parasite identification. Min 2 grams faeces needed. Includes: • Direct Wet Mounts • McMasters Flotation • Worm-Count |
Overall ++ |
£15.50
p&p
included |
 |
Comprehensive Parasite Test (R-CPT) Reptiland Silver Level. High Sensitivity and Comprehensive test. Pinworm numbers and parasite identification including Crypto staining. Min 2-4 grams faeces needed. Includes: • Direct Wet Mounts • McMasters Flotation • Worm-Count • Centrifugal Flotation • Cryptosporidium Staining |
Overall +++ |
£23.00
p&p
included |
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Extended Zoonotic Parasite Test (R-EPT) Reptiland Gold Level. Highest Sensitivity, Complete and Comprehensive test. Includes zoonotic Giardia testing. Pinworm numbers and parasite identification including Full Giardia and Crypto Testing. 4g faeces needed. Includes: • Direct Wet Mounts • McMasters Flotation • Worm-Count • Centrifugal Flotation • Sedimentation (trematode eggs, large ciliate cysts and nematode larvae) • Cryptosporidium Staining • Cryptosporidium Antigen-Antibody Test • Giardia Antigen-Antibody Test |
Overall ++++ Crypto ++ Giardia + |
£39.00 p&p included |
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Cryptosporidium, individual and sequenced testing available - Click here
Centrifugal flotation using sodium nitrate and/or zinc sulphate is our preferred method. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends centrifugal flotation as the preferred method for routine screening of faecal samples for detection of parasite ova as there is a proven increased sensitivity 1,2,3,4. This is the technique we use.
At present we are performing studies regarding parasites in the captive environment and therefore the results could be used for publication purposes. The samples and information received shall form part of our database and will be anonymous.
We are unable to discuss treatment regimes as per the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) rules as the animals are not under our care. Footnotes shall be given and you should contact your veterinary surgeon regarding treatment. We also offer support for your veterinary surgeon if necessary. Further tests may be recommended in specific cases which may include PCR testing. Sick animals should be taken to your veterinary surgeon as this is your responsability as a pet owner. Waiting for a parasite test report for a very sick animal without seeing a veterinary surgeon may be very detrimental and against animal welfare.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
References
1 Blagburn BL, Butler JM. Optimize intestinal parasite detection with centrifugal fecal flotation. Vet Med 2006;101(7):455-464.
2 Dryden MW, Payne PA, Ridley R, et al, Comparison of common fecal flotation techniques for the recovery of parasite eggs and oocysts. Vet Ther 2005;6:15-28.
3 Dryden MW, Payne PA, Smith V. Accurate diagnosis of Giardia spp and proper fecal examination procedures. Vet Ther 2006;7:4-14.
4 Zajac A, Johnson J, King S. Evaluation of the importance of centrifugation as a component of zinc sulfate fecal flotation examinations. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2002;38:221-224.