Fecal Flotation

Indications for performing this test:  The fecal flotation is a simple procedure used to screen animals for internal parasites.  Most oocysts and ova are easily identified by this simple procedure.  Cases presenting for gastrointestinal problems such as severe diarrhea, weight loss, or ill thrift may benefit from this parasite screening test.

The Test:  A fecal flotation may be performed using a number of different solutions.  Sodium salt flotation, zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation, or simply a sugar flotation.  Sugar flotations are sufficient for regular parasite screening.  For best results in identifying protozoan cysts, especially Giardia spp., zinc centrifugal flotation is recommended. 
   

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 Pictured (left) is the procedure for preparing a fecal flotation.  To perform the test, mix about 1 gram of feces thoroughly with water (about 15ml).  Strain the mixture to remove the larger debris, and then centrifuge for five minutes or let stand for twenty minutes.  Next, pour off the supernatant and mix the sediment with sugar water.  Place a coverslip on the top of the centrifuge tube, in contact with the sugar meniscus, and repeat centrifugation for another five minutes.  Then place the coverslip on a slide and examine for parasite eggs or oocysts.  The species of the parasite found will determine the extent of the clinical significance.

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Toxacara Canis egg:  Adults are in the small intestine of dogs.

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A severe coccidiosis infection in a small animal.

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Toxascaris leonina egg: An Ascarid similar to Toxacara.

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Trichuris vulvipus egg:  Whip worm of dogs found in the cecum.