What is fecal flotation?

Fecal flotation is a microscopic examination of a pet's stool sample used to detect eggs from intestinal parasites. The test works by mixing stool with a flotation solution (usually salt or sugar based) that causes parasite eggs to rise to the surface, where they can be collected on a slide and identified under a microscope.

The test is routine in veterinary practice because many common parasites shed eggs through feces. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia are frequently detected this way. Austin vets typically recommend fecal flotation annually as part of wellness care, and more often for puppies, kittens, or animals with diarrhea or poor weight gain.

Fecal flotation has limitations. It will not always detect parasites present in low numbers, especially early infections before parasites begin shedding eggs. Some parasites, like tapeworms, may be visible as segments in stool but may be missed by flotation alone. Giardia, a common intestinal parasite, often requires special staining or specific testing methods beyond standard flotation.

A negative result does not rule out parasites entirely, particularly if symptoms suggest infection. General practice veterinarians often repeat fecal flotation if clinical signs persist or recommend additional diagnostics like direct smears or specialized stool tests.