Faeces and Urine Analyses

Faeces and urine analyses are relatively simple but important tests that are often carried out in-house (i.e. not sent away to specialist laboratories).

Faeces tests

The most common tests carried out on stool samples are for the detection of endoparasites. These include roundworms, tapeworms and other microscopic parasites such as coccidia or Giardia which can in certain circumstances be responsible for recurrent diarrhoea particularly in young animals. In addition the larvae of lungworms which can occasionally be responsible for a chronic cough can be detected.

In addition, examination of faeces samples under a microscope will often give an indication of the normality or otherwise of the digestive process, simply by the presence or absence of muscle fibres, starch or fat in the faeces.

If abnormalities are detected, further tests can then be carried out on the sample and, if necessary, a blood sample obtained which will often provide corroborative evidence. 

"If abnormalities are detected, further tests can then be carried out on the sample and, if necessary, a blood sample obtained which will often provide corroborative evidence."

A faeces sample can also be used for detection of faecal occult blood. This refers to small quantities of blood passed in the faeces that cannot be detected by the naked eye. Blood can originate anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum. This is an important test in certain circumstances since, over a long period of time, minute haemorrhage into the intestinal tract can lead to anaemia. Whilst the faecal occult blood test is a simple, non-invasive way to determine if there is any problem with bleeding into the bowel, it can be commonly falsely positive due to the meat diet of dogs and cats. Causes of bleeding into the bowel are many and include infectious diseases, intestinal ulcers, foreign bodies, bowel inflammation and tumours.

Urine analysis

This is another simple test that can assess the physical and chemical composition of urine. Abnormalities usually point to a disorder affecting the kidneys and urinary system although other organs such as the liver can sometimes be involved.

Abnormal urine results may also indicate the presence of other problems, for example, diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). 

Urine is usually assessed for colour and turbidity (cloudiness), specific gravity (which indicates concentration), pH, (which measures the acidity or alkalinity of the sample) and a microscopic examination which gives an indication of any abnormal cells or solid material invisible to the naked eye, which may be being passed in the urine.

How do I collect these samples?

If, during the consultation we decide that either faeces or urine analysis is required, we will supply appropriate containers and give you instructions how to collect the sample. If, on the other hand, you decide to bring a sample with you since you as you suspect there may be something wrong, it is important to observe very simple guidelines.

In the case of a faeces sample, use a clean polythene bag to pick up a freshly passed sample which is then sealed and brought to us as soon as possible. This is usually satisfactory.

If you wish to bring a urine sample with you, it is imperative that the sample is collected in a clean container. Many people use jam jars or other preserve containers and often, despite careful cleaning, traces of sugar can remain in these which can affect the results.

If in doubt please consult us and we will supply the appropriate kit.