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Parasitology Lab

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Parasite resistance to dewormers occurs in many small ruminants and camelids. The consequences can be devastating, leading to serious illness that can include blood loss and subsequent death of the animal. 

At Gold Coast Veterinary Service, we are recommending a strategic deworming program. 

Every animal  is different and their parasite load needs to be treated individually.  Parasite load  is determined through the use of Fecal Egg Counts.  Through these fecal exams, we can classify your animal as a "high shedder" or a "low shedder" and decide if treatment is necessary.  By creating strategic deworming schedules, we minimize the frequency of treatment while increasing efficacy as well as reducing cost by deworming only the animal needing care.

We will also help to consider management factors which can help you to decrease the egg load in the environment. 

Please follow the guidelines below when sending us a fecal sample.


Guidelines For Submission of Fecal Samples:

  • Collect at least a walnut size piece of fresh feces from your animal.
  • Put the feces in a ziploc bag.
  • Store the sample in the refrigerator before shipment.
  • Contact us for the shipping address and inform us when you will be shipping the sample to us.
  • Send the feces in a sealed container on ice over night.
  • Include information about your animal such as species, age, last time dewormed, deworming drugs used, how many animals are on the premises, health status, etc.
  • We will send you a report within 2-3 business days