What is the primary purpose of a fecal exam in veterinary practice?

The primary purpose of a fecal exam in veterinary practice is to check for the presence of intestinal parasites. Fecal examinations allow veterinarians to analyze stool samples for eggs, larvae, or segments of parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and protozoa like Giardia. Identifying these parasites is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as they can cause various health issues in pets, including gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, and anemia.

In contrast, heartworm disease is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of the heartworm antigen or microfilariae, making it unrelated to fecal exams. Kidney function is typically evaluated through blood tests assessing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, which do not involve fecal analysis. Evaluating liver enzymes also relies on blood tests that measure specific enzymes and substrates to assess liver health, rather than fecal sample analysis.