A fecal examination is the microscopic evaluation of feces. The test is indicated for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens with diarrhea, straining, lack of appetite or vomiting as well as during the kitten and yearly health exam.

Negative results help determine health or may exclude the presence of disease and gastrointestinal parasites.

Fecal examinations are primarily performed to detect microscopic gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, coccidia and tapeworms. Some abnormal parasites known as spirochetes or flagellates can also be detected. A positive test result indicates gastrointestinal parasitic disease which can be easily treated with medication.