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Our Worm Count Test for Rabbits and Small Companion Animals provides laboratory screening for gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats and other small companion animals. Also known as a faecal parasite examination, this test uses microscopy to identify relevant parasite eggs and oocysts in a submitted faecal sample.
Different small companion animals can be affected by different gastrointestinal parasites. Our trained laboratory team adapts the examination and interpretation to the species submitted, providing a more relevant assessment than applying the same parasite profile to every animal.
Intestinal parasites may be associated with diarrhoea, changes in droppings, weight loss, poor growth or reduced body condition. However, some animals may carry parasites without showing obvious signs of illness, making faecal testing a useful part of routine health monitoring.
Our laboratory uses microscopic examination to screen for gastrointestinal parasite eggs, coccidian oocysts and other recognisable parasitic structures. The parasites examined and reported depend on the animal species and the findings observed.
Depending on the species submitted, findings may include:
Where appropriate, parasite eggs are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) and coccidian oocysts as oocysts per gram (OPG). These results provide an indication of parasite shedding in the submitted sample rather than a direct measurement of the total number of parasites present.
Regular rabbit worm count testing and small animal faecal screening can help identify gastrointestinal parasite egg shedding and support more informed decisions about parasite management.
Rather than relying solely on routine parasite treatments, laboratory testing provides useful information that can be considered alongside the animal’s clinical signs, age, environment and previous treatment history.
A targeted approach is particularly important for small companion animals, as parasite risks and suitable treatments can vary considerably between species. Medication should only be used where appropriate and under veterinary guidance.
Our Worm Count Test may be particularly useful for:
Your laboratory report identifies relevant parasite eggs or oocysts observed during microscopic examination, with quantitative results and interpretative comments provided where appropriate.
A negative worm count does not completely exclude parasite infection, as shedding may be intermittent or organisms may be present below the detection limit. Routine microscopy also does not identify every potential cause of gastrointestinal illness.
Results should be considered alongside the animal’s species, clinical signs and veterinary history. Where significant symptoms are present, particularly reduced appetite, diarrhoea or weight loss, prompt veterinary assessment is recommended.
All samples are examined in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts. Each sample is assessed according to the species submitted, with findings reviewed before a clear laboratory report is issued.
Our test kits include clear sample collection instructions and free Royal Mail Tracked 24 return postage, making it straightforward to send your animal’s sample directly to our laboratory.
Every test includes clear laboratory results, relevant interpretative comments and free after test advice. If you have any questions about your results, our laboratory team will be happy to help.
Our Companion Animal Worm Count Test provides laboratory screening for gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats and other small companion animals. The test uses microscopic examination to identify relevant parasite eggs and oocysts in a submitted faecal sample.
Different small companion animals can be affected by different intestinal parasites. Our trained laboratory team adapts the examination and interpretation to the species submitted, ensuring findings are reported with consideration of the parasites most relevant to that animal.
Where appropriate, parasite eggs and oocysts are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) or oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces. These measurements provide an indication of parasite shedding in the submitted sample rather than a direct measurement of the total number of parasites present.
Our Companion Animal Worm Count Test may be useful for:
Faecal parasite testing provides useful laboratory information before considering treatment. Because parasite risks and suitable medications vary between species, a targeted approach can help avoid unnecessary medication and support more appropriate parasite management.
A low or negative worm count does not completely exclude infection, as parasite shedding may be intermittent or organisms may be present below the detection limit. Results should therefore be considered alongside the animal’s clinical signs and veterinary history.
All samples are examined in our purpose built veterinary laboratory by trained laboratory analysts. Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice to help you understand the findings.
Your Companion Animal Worm Count Test report provides the findings from microscopic examination of your animal’s faecal sample. Our laboratory identifies relevant gastrointestinal parasite eggs, oocysts and other recognisable parasitic structures according to the species submitted.
Where appropriate, quantitative results are provided to indicate the level of parasite egg or oocyst shedding detected in the sample.
Nematodes (Roundworms): We examine the sample for relevant gastrointestinal nematode eggs, including pinworms such as Passalurus ambiguus in rabbits and other host-appropriate roundworms. Where possible, findings are identified and quantified as eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces.
Cestodes (Tapeworms): We examine the sample for recognisable tapeworm eggs or other identifiable structures. Findings are generally reported qualitatively where detected.
Coccidia: We screen for relevant coccidian oocysts, including Eimeria species in rabbits and other coccidian organisms appropriate to the animal species. Where suitable, results may be quantified as oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces.
Other Parasite Findings: Additional recognisable gastrointestinal parasite eggs, oocysts or microscopic structures may be recorded where relevant to the species submitted.
Where parasite eggs or oocysts are quantified, the results provide an indication of shedding in the submitted sample. These values do not directly measure the number of adult parasites present or establish the severity of infection.
A negative result indicates that the parasites examined for were not observed in the submitted sample. However, this does not completely exclude infection, particularly where parasite shedding is intermittent or the level present is below the detection limit.
Your report includes clear findings and relevant interpretative comments where appropriate. Results are presented in straightforward language while retaining the technical information needed by veterinary professionals when further investigation or treatment may be required.
Where potentially significant parasites are identified, we recommend discussing the findings with a veterinary surgeon experienced in the relevant companion animal species before treatment is considered.
Every test includes clear laboratory results and free after test advice from our laboratory team.
Our Companion Animal Worm Count Test is normally completed, reviewed and reported within 24 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory, during our normal working days.
Each sample is carefully processed and examined by our trained laboratory team. Once testing is complete, the findings are reviewed and a laboratory report is prepared, including relevant results and interpretative comments where appropriate.
Laboratory opening hours: Testing is undertaken Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and bank holidays. Samples arriving outside these working days will be processed when the laboratory next opens. Weekends and bank holidays are not included in our stated turnaround times.
Your results will be sent by email once testing and review are complete. Free after test advice is included should you have any questions about your results.
Your Companion Animal Worm Count Test Kit includes all the materials needed to safely collect, package and return a faecal sample from one animal to our laboratory for testing.
Collect a fresh, representative faecal sample from one animal, following the instructions supplied with your kit. Where possible, avoid contamination with bedding, litter, soil, water or other materials that could interfere with laboratory examination.
Once collected, ensure the sample container is securely closed and the laboratory request form is completed. Place the sample in the protective packaging provided and return it 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.
