Faecal sample (what to look for)

[pop80_uk]

Hey all,
My poorly gecko has finally pooped!
(not sure how as she has not eaten anything but has shed so I guess its that)
I do have a reptile vet which I have used previously but who is very far away.
But very close to us we have an EXCELLENT non reptile vet who looks after my partners mums dog.
Can they look at the sample and tell me whats up? They are not a reptile vets though.

Also ive been told if I look through a microscope I can tell whats up is this true? Wht am I looking for?

Thanks!

[Bosscat]

Originally Posted by pop80_uk

Hey all,
My poorly gecko has finally pooped!
(not sure how as she has not eaten anything but has shed so I guess its that)
I do have a reptile vet which I have used previously but who is very far away.
But very close to us we have an EXCELLENT non reptile vet who looks after my partners mums dog.
Can they look at the sample and tell me whats up? They are not a reptile vets though.

Also ive been told if I look through a microscope I can tell whats up is this true? Wht am I looking for?

Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend looking at a sample through a microscope UNLESS you are a specialist in that area (yes I did see someone say it on another thread, but it was not a good thing to advise). Only a specialist will be able to tell you what sort of parasites or worms there are, which would mean what kind of treatment they are given as a result.

The only prob is, is that parasites die off very quickly once out of the body so a sample delayed poss would not give a good result. It is worthwhile speaking to your vet again asap and seing what he would recommend, or if a closer vet would be able to do it.

[fantapants]

if you are NOT experienced in reptile parasites, get somebody else to do it. you CAN learn how to do it, but not when an animals health is at risk. much better to practice with healthy poop. thereis a book, PMme tomorow and i will give you the details. i dont have it to hand tonight. but it explains fecal smears, flotations, the lot.

[Bosscat]

I have the book too, but I know my vet wouldn't prescribe meds on my say so...