Healthful Pets LUNGWORM Faecal Egg Count Test Kit for Dogs & Cats
in partnership with our Laboratory Partner - Feclab
All kits contain a prepaid return postage.
Faecal Egg Count (FEC) is a method of determining how many internal parasite Eggs are present in a particular stool sample. It may also be possible to determine the different types of worms or other parasites present.
By using worm egg counts as part of your pets health and worm management programme we can greatly reduce the number of times we use chemicals to treat for worms which is not only far better for your pets it can also be far better for your purse.
Using worm egg counts can also reduce the resistance that develops through the continual use of chemicals which can lead to conventional wormers being less effective and the worm burden increase in the pet.
If eggs are found in a fecal sample it shows that worms are present in the animal.
Feclab screen for the following:
Dog Lungworm:
Canine Lungworm
Fox Lungworm
Hedghog Lungworm
Cat Lungworm:
Capillaria Aerophilus
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus
For further information please see what does the worm and lungworm test include
Please note: A Fecal egg count is a snap shot of a specific moment in time. The test detects eggs of mature parasites that live inside the body and pass their eggs to the outside by shedding them into the dogs stool’s. It is possible that at the time of testing the parasites are too young to produce eggs, if no eggs are being shed the infection cannot be detected. There is also a possibility the eggs are In such small numbers at the time of testing they would be undetectable Thus showing a negative result.
The above is extremely rare but we would like to point out the possibilities.
Instructions for taking samples for your pet:
Please note that this is a 3-day test requiring 3 samples in total taken on consecutive days. Please post the samples on day 3 (Sunday pm to Thursday pm) to make sure that they’re as fresh as possible when they arrive at the lab.
What to do?
1. Poo samples can be taken from any time of the day and should be approximately a tablespoon in size.
2. Place each sample into a pot. Repeat this for days 2 and 3.
3. Samples from day 1 & 2 should be stored somewhere cool, under an overturned flowerpot for example, or in the shed. Do NOT store them in a fridge or freeze.
4. Put all three poo sample pots into the laboratory packet provided and seal.
5. Please complete all sections of the Your Details Form. Please take care when you are completing your email address as this will be used to send you your pets results.
6. Now place both the completed Details Form and laboratory packet (which now contains your samples) into the box received and place into the Freepost Envelope bag.
7. Make a note of your tracking number.
8. Pop in a standard letter box - The label is prepaid so no need for stamps.
Question - how long do the results take to come through? When our labratory partner receives the sample they will usually process this the same day with results typically taking 48 hours to send (via email) to you. The test for lungworm can take a bit longer than usual. If results are received on a Friday then this may lead to a small delay as results won't be sent until Monday.
Please keep an eye out for these results in your junk email and contact us if you haven't received them.
Please note: Samples with no information will not be tested and kits will not be replaced if you have not followed these instructions or recorded your tracking number. If you notice that you have forgotten to enclose your form, contact us immediately.
Taking stool samples when temperatures are freezing
If temperatures are freezing outside and samples are required over consecutive days, please make sure that samples are not left outside where they might freeze. They can be left in a garage provided that it does not fall below 3'C. If samples have frozen, please empty the pots, wash out with warm soapy water and take the samples again on consecutive days.
Frequently asked question
My pet has had an upset tummy and I'm part way through taking the samples
Ideally the samples should be taken on consecutive days but if your pet has an upset tummy, you can miss a day. It is important to take the sample the very next day and if it is the last day, make sure to post it on that day. If this is not possible and you go over this, then you should start again.
You can wash the pots out – that is absolutely fine. Ideally wash them with warm soapy water – and gloves!
But if there is barely any residue, when you remove the sample and it is for the same dog, it is not necessary to wash out the pot.
Egg counts explained
Faecal Egg Count (FEC) is a method of determining how many internal parasite Eggs are present in a particular stool sample. It may also be possible to determine the different types of worms or other parasites present. The information on both the number and type of parasites can be used to determine whether or not an anti-parasitic treatment is required.
If an animal has internal parasites the eggs produced by the adult parasites are often passed out in the poo. If eggs are found in a fresh stool sample it shows that worms are present in the animal.
The number of eggs found can provide a useful indication of the level of parasite infection, so a high egg count would suggest a high level of adult parasites in the animal.
What FecLab do with your sample
A measured amount of the stool sample is added to a measured amount of a solution (a flotation fluid) that allows the parasite eggs to float to the surface. The mix needs to be carefully measured so the results can be translated into a final ‘eggs per gram’ (or epg). The poo and the solution are mixed well and then strained through a sieve or cheesecloth to get rid of as much debris as possible The filtered solution is then stirred again and a small sample drawn off with a syringe or pipette for examination right away (eggs will start to float to the top as soon as the mix is left undisturbed).
The sample is place into a counting slide which normally has two chambers, each with a grid etched onto the top surface. One chamber is filled, the solution is stirred again and then the second chamber is filled.
The sample is then allowed to stand for a short while allowing the eggs to float to the surface where it is easier to see them under a microscope. Eggs that can be seen under the etched grid are then counted and identified, as necessary.
The Quantities of poo and flotation fluid that are mixed together determine the multiplication factor that is applied to the egg count result to give a final ‘eggs per gram’.
Regular worm count testing
With owners becoming more aware of the side affects and resistance that conventional wormers can present, many have chosen to invest their time in to natural worming programmes (and flea treatment), this includes regular worm count testing.
Regular worm count testing allows you to monitor the effectiveness of your worming programme and target any worm burdens directly. For those using conventional wormers, worm counts mean that you are only worming when necessary – due to a positive test, thus helping reduce the resilience to the ingredients in conventional wormers and limiting the chemicals entering your pets.
Natural worming and worm count testing can also be hugely beneficial for pets who are sensitive to the ingredients in conventional wormers. There are of course some situations where: a severe worm burden, pets that are poorly nourished or those that have a compromised immune system need to use conventional wormers.
Carrying out regular worm count testing allows you to monitor and target parasites ensuring you are only using chemicals as and when needed.
What does the Lungworm test include?
Dog Lungworm Analysis
Oslerus osleri. (Canine Lungworm)
Crenosoma vulpis, (Fox Lungworm)
Filaroides Hirth (Canine Lungworm)
Eucoleus aerophiles (Hedgehog Lungworm)
Angiostrongylus Vasorum (French Heartworm)
Cat Lungworm Analysis
Capillaria Aerophilus
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus
SUMMARY OF UK DELIVERY INFORMATION (Please note that the delivery time is from the date of dispatch and not from the date your order has been placed)
Please note that we do not send orders addressed to a HOTEL address or POST OFFICE address, unless prior arrangement has been made with us.
Orders under £44.99 (and under 3.5kg)
Customers have the option of :-
- Shipping with Royal Mail Tracked 48 (typically 2 days but can take 4 days) at £3.49
- Shipping with Royal Mail Tracked 24 (1-2 days) at £4.99.
- Shipping with DPD Next Day Courier service at £7.99 [see below for exceptions] (please note this is a next day service, but from time to time this can take 2 days)
- Saturday delivery - with DPD £16.99
Orders over £44.99 (and less than 3.5kg) are sent free of charge using Royal Mail 48 Tracked. There is however the option to upgrade to Royal Mail Tracked 24 for £1.49 or use a DPD Courier at £4.99
Orders over £130 will be sent with DPD or Royal Mail Tracked 24
Click & Collect - free You are welcome to collect your order from our offices at Northwich, Cheshire (CW9 7TN). Office hours are typically 9.00 – 4.30 but often we are here later, so it is recommended to ring ahead. Tel: 01565 745463.
Orders over 3.5kg will need to be send with DPD as we are unable to ship heavy items with Royal Mail. DPD will attract an additional shipping charges – see below for more information.
Please be advised that during busier periods, such as Christmas and Black Friday, parcel deliveries may take longer to be delivered.
DPD Courier: All orders over 3.5kg will be shipped via DPD as follows:-.
- UK Mainland, next working weekday delivery is £7.99
- UK Mainland, Saturday Delivery is £16.99
- Special UK Postcodes* two-working day service is special price applies [* Special UK Postcodes include Highlands Islands, Isle of Wight as follows: AB36-AB38, AB55-AB56, FK17-FK21, IV1-39, IV52-54, IV63, KW 1-14, PA21-PA40, PH19-PH26, PH49-50, PO31-PO41)
- UK Offshore, including the Scottish Islands (HS1-9, IV40-51, IV55-56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44, ZE1)
- Northern Ireland - special price applies
- Isle of Man - special price applies
- Scilly Islands, Channel Islands - special price applies
We are currently unable to ship to the Republic of Ireland with DPD Courier.
General Rules for DPD
Under normal circumstances, all orders placed before 1.30pm will be dispatched the same working day. Orders placed after 1.30pm will be dispatched on the following working day. Orders placed after 1.30pm on a Friday will be dispatched on the following Monday for delivery on Tuesday (or Wednesday for UK special postcodes). This also applies to orders received after 1.30pm on a Thursday.
Saturdays, Sundays and all Bank & Public Holidays are classed as non-working days and orders will be dispatched on the next working day.
Your order will be fully trackable, and you will receive a text and email (if supplied) when your order has been dispatched, and on the day of delivery you will receive an estimated 1-hour delivery window, with alternative options if you are not in.
We reserve the right to switch this service to Royal Mail Special Delivery Next Day, in exceptional circumstances.
GENERAL INFORMATION - SERVICE OVERVIEW
Generally all orders placed before 3.30pm will be dispatched the same working day. Orders placed after 3.30pm will be dispatched on the following working day.
For courier deliveries please note that orders placed after 4pm on a Thursday will be dispatched Friday for a Monday delivery and orders placed after 4pm on Friday will be dispatched on Monday for a Tuesday delivery (or Wednesday for UK special postcodes).
Saturdays, Sundays and all Bank & Public Holidays are classed as non-working days and orders will be dispatched on the next working day.
Please double check your delivery address is correct and contact us straight away if not.
Email notification will be sent once your order has been dispatched.
If in the unusual situation there is an issue with your order, such as an item is unexpectedly out of stock or there is an issue with delivery, we will make contact with you. In these instances, we will keep you update via email or telephone to confirm the progress of the order.
Further information on UK deliveries as well as full information on international deliveries, please see our Delivery & Returns section of the website.
