Same working day dispatch on orders before 3pm
Free delivery on orders over £40
By subscribing, you save an extra 7.5%
Our Horse Lungworm Test provides specialist laboratory screening for Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, the equine lungworm. This test uses a dedicated larval detection technique to examine faecal samples for lungworm larvae, helping identify evidence of infection where exposure is suspected.
Equine lungworm is particularly associated with horses and ponies that graze alongside donkeys. Donkeys can carry and shed lungworm larvae without showing obvious signs of illness, making them an important potential source of infection for other equines.
In horses, lungworm infection may be associated with respiratory signs such as persistent coughing, although some infected animals may show few or no obvious symptoms. Laboratory testing can support investigations into suspected lungworm exposure and help inform appropriate parasite management decisions alongside veterinary advice.
Our trained laboratory team processes and examines each sample using a specialist larval detection method. Results are reviewed before reporting, with relevant interpretative comments provided where appropriate.
Looking for broader screening? Our Combined Horse Worm Count and Lungworm Test includes both gastrointestinal worm egg counting and targeted lungworm screening, providing a more comprehensive assessment of selected parasites in one testing package.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice from our laboratory team, helping you understand the findings and whether further veterinary assessment may be appropriate.
The Horse Lungworm Test is an extended laboratory test used to detect Dictyocaulus arnfieldi larvae shed in faeces.
The sample is processed using a dedicated larval detection technique designed to recover motile lungworm larvae from the submitted faecal material.
This test can provide useful information for:
Looking for more comprehensive screening?
Upgrade to our Combined Horse Worm Count & Lungworm Test to screen for gastrointestinal worm eggs alongside Dictyocaulus arnfieldi lungworm in one convenient testing package.
Donkeys are an important reservoir for Dictyocaulus arnfieldi and may shed larvae while showing few or no obvious signs themselves. Horses exposed to infected donkeys can therefore be at increased risk.
As with all faecal parasite testing, results reflect what is detectable in the submitted sample at the time of collection. Low level or intermittent larval shedding may affect detection.
Laboratory testing can help support a more targeted approach to parasite control by providing evidence before treatment decisions are made.
Your Horse Lungworm Test report provides the findings from our specialist laboratory examination for Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, the equine lungworm.
Our trained laboratory team examines the submitted faecal sample for lungworm larvae using a dedicated larval detection technique. Results are reviewed before a clear laboratory report is issued.
Detected: Lungworm larvae consistent with Dictyocaulus arnfieldi have been identified in the submitted sample. This provides evidence of lungworm infection and should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon to determine whether treatment or further investigation is appropriate.
None Detected: No lungworm larvae were observed in the submitted sample. However, a negative result does not completely exclude infection, as larval shedding may be intermittent or absent, particularly in horses where infections may produce few detectable larvae.
Where relevant, your report will include additional interpretative comments to help explain the findings. Results should be considered alongside your horse’s clinical signs, grazing history and any known contact with donkeys.
If lungworm infection is suspected despite a negative result, particularly where respiratory symptoms are present, further veterinary investigation may be recommended.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your horse’s report, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Lungworm screen: Results are issued on the next working day following arrival at our laboratory.
Please note: Laboratory testing is undertaken Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Weekends and bank holidays are not included in our stated turnaround times.
Your kit is prepared for one cat and includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return the required faecal samples to our laboratory for testing.
For the lungworm testing component, faecal material must be collected over 3 consecutive days. This is important because lungworm larvae may be shed intermittently, and collecting samples over several days improves the likelihood of detection.
Please follow the instructions supplied with your kit carefully, ensuring the samples are collected and stored as directed. Avoid contamination with cat litter, soil or other materials wherever possible.
Once collection is complete, securely package your samples using the materials provided and return them promptly using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.
Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.
Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.
The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.
