Fed up of worming your Pet?
Authored by James Horner
Worm Count - Quick Read
Worm Egg Counts can be done at James Horner Vets and involve counting the number of eggs in a small sample of faeces.
Faecal Egg Counts should be done every 3 months, but can be done monthly.
Reducing worming treatments has a benefit for both pets and the environment.
Reducing worming treatments will reduce the risk of resistance to worms developing.
What is a Worm Egg Count (FWEC)?
Worm counts are a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary care, offering several benefits for the health and well-being of animals. This quick and simple test provides essential information about parasitic infections, allowing for targeted and effective treatment. Worm counts involve analysing a sample of cat or dog faeces to detect and measure the number of worm eggs present.
What are the Benefits?
Accurate Diagnosis
Worm counts enable us to accurately determine if a worm burden is present.
In diarrhoea cases, worms are a common cause for all types of loose stool. If worms are present, the treatment is easy….worm your pet! The FWEC can in some instances determine the species of worm and so give better in formation on how to prevent future infections. Add this knowledge to what is the best choice for treatment and this should give us a good level of confidence in resolving the diarrhoea problem.
Preventing Resistance
Routine worming practices are coming under increased scrutiny. Central to these are the concern for overtreatment, both for worm resistance, and the environmental impact of the products.
The approach for blanket treating to prevent a worm burden is no longer considered best practice, and knowing if there are worms present before treating is getting more important.
Monitoring Health
If you choose not to carry out routine worming then it is important to undertake regular FWEC assessments. Regular testing ensures that any parasitic infections are detected early and treated promptly.
We would recommend a minimum of 3 monthly intervals, but in the summer, and particularly for scavenger, monthly assessments may be needed!
Conclusion
Faecal worm egg counts are a useful tool in veterinary medicine. They allow for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By reducing antiparasitic use they help prevent resistance to deworming medications and offer a means to reduce the medication we expose to the environment.
How to submit a sample for a FWEC
Bring a fresh poo sample to the practice in an appropriate container (not a poo bag!) labelled with your pets name and your surname.
Hand over to reception and pay the fee for a worm egg count (£20 if not on a wellness subscription or £18 if on a plan).
Await your WhatsApp message to report the Worm Egg Count figure.
If a worming treatment is needed then this will be recommended in the WhatsApp message. Should a prescription medication been needed then a vet appointment may be required.
Please also note if your pet has had diarrhoea a specialist test for Giardia can also be carried out at an additional cost.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to give the practice a call on 0121 270 5800