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Everything you need to know about Wormcount and our parasite testing service including ordering, sampling, testing and receiving your results.
Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite that causes chronic diarrhoea in cats. It is a particular concern in multi-cat households and catteries, where it spreads easily between animals. Diagnosis requires a dedicated PCR test, as it cannot be reliably detected by standard microscopy. Wormcount offers a Tritrichomonas foetus qPCR test specifically for cats.
Yes. Cats infected with Giardia can spread it to other cats, dogs, and potentially humans, even when they are not showing any symptoms themselves. Cats can be asymptomatic carriers, shedding Giardia cysts in their faeces without appearing unwell. Annual Giardia screening is recommended for cats, particularly in multi-pet households.
Signs of worms in cats can include weight loss, a dull or poor coat, vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen abdomen, and visible worm segments around the tail or in faeces. However, many cats carry parasites without showing any outward signs, making regular testing important even in apparently healthy animals.
Yes. Cats are very effective at masking illness, and it is common for them to carry significant parasite burdens without displaying any obvious clinical signs. Regular parasite testing every three months is recommended for healthy adult cats, as symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of whether parasites are present.
The main internal parasites affecting UK horses include small strongyles (cyathostomins, including encysted small redworm), large strongyles, roundworms (Parascaris equorum), tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata), pinworms, and bots. Lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) is also a concern, particularly in horses that graze with donkeys. Each of these parasites has different clinical significance and seasonal patterns.
Encysted small redworm (encysted cyathostomins) are larval stages of small strongyles that burrow into the gut wall and remain dormant, often for months. They are not detectable on a standard worm egg count and are not killed by most worming products. In late winter and spring, large numbers can emerge simultaneously, causing cyathostominosis; a potentially life-threatening condition involving severe diarrhoea, rapid weight loss, and colic. Annual winter treatment targeting encysted larvae is recommended.
Equine lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) is primarily carried by donkeys, which often show no clinical signs. Horses that graze alongside donkeys are at increased risk of infection. Symptoms in horses include a persistent cough, increased respiratory effort, and nasal discharge, though infection can also be asymptomatic. A dedicated lungworm screen is recommended for horses with unexplained respiratory symptoms or those with donkey contact.
Anthelmintic resistance (where worm populations survive treatment with previously effective drugs) is now widespread in UK horses, particularly resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrimidines. Routine blanket worming is a major contributing factor, as it applies selection pressure on parasite populations. Worm counting before treatment and rotating between drug classes based on resistance testing are the recommended approaches for managing and slowing the development of resistance.
Tortoises can carry a range of intestinal parasites including pinworms (oxyurids), roundworms (ascarids), flagellates, and coccidia. Pinworms are very commonly found in tortoises and, at low levels, may be considered part of the normal gut flora, though high levels can cause health problems. Coccidia and balantidium can cause significant gastrointestinal disease in tortoises, particularly in high numbers.
Cryptosporidium is a protozoal parasite of particular concern in reptiles, especially snakes and lizards. There is currently no reliable OTC treatment available, making early detection critical, particularly in collections housing multiple animals. Infection typically causes chronic weight loss, persistent regurgitation in snakes, and general wasting. Wormcount offers a dedicated Cryptosporidium antigen test, available as a standalone test or alongside other parasite screens.
