Parasite Test Result Chart
Guide to canine parasite found in OPG testing
|
Parasite Reported |
Contagious to Humans |
Contagious to other dogs |
Need to treat? |
Comments |
|
Giardia cysts |
yes |
yes |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
|
|
Giardia Elisa Positive |
n/a |
n/a |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
|
|
Roundworms |
yes |
yes |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
See note2 |
|
Hookworm eggs |
yes |
yes |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
See note2 |
|
Whipworm eggs |
no |
no |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
See note2 |
|
Cystoisospora oocysts |
no |
yes |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
|
|
Anoplocephala eggs |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Eimeria Oocysts |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Strongyle eggs |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Ascarid eggs |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Invertebrate Coccidian oocysts |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Rhabditiform larvae |
no |
no |
no |
Indicates that fecal sample may be old(ie sitting in the yard for a few days) Consider retesting. |
|
Anoplocephala eggs |
no |
no |
no |
See note3 |
|
Alaria eggs |
rare |
no |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
This is a very rare finding and would warrant retesting |
|
Capillaria (Eucoleus) Aerophila eggs |
rare |
no |
Refer to veterinarian1 |
This is a very rare finding and would warrant retesting |
| Tapeworms4 | no | no | Refer to veterinarian1 | note4 |
note1 In many cases dogs will need to be treated for the parasites listed as “refer to veterinarian”. But there are instances where a veterinarian may not treat or need to retest based on the pet’s history, signalment, and lifestyle.
note2 This parasite is usually prevented when a pet is on an appropriate monthly heartworm prevention. Some companies provide a guarantee with their product.
note3 This parasite is not infectious or contagious, but it does indicate the pet is hunting small wild animals (such as mice/chipmunks/rabbits) or is eating wild animal feces.
note4 Tapeworms are not normally reported on fecal test results. Fortunately they are not contagious, but they are infectious and need to be treated. Tapeworm segments are normally diagnosed by a veterinarian by observation with the naked eye. Either on a fecal sample or the perianal region. A veterinarian can then place the segment onto a slide and set a microscope to low-power and determine if the tapeworm segment came from the pet eating a flea or eating a rodent. The OP fecal is a microscope test that is looking for microscopic eggs/cysts/organisms on high-power so they cannot observe tapeworm segments
References
Capcvet.org
Cdc.gov
Nih.gov
Version 20230818