Detailed Screen

Canine Diarrhoea Panel

Further information

Our Canine Diarrhoea Panel uses targeted qPCR testing to screen a single faecal sample for seven selected infectious targets relevant to gastrointestinal illness in dogs.

Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea can have several possible causes. By examining viral, bacterial and protozoal targets together, this panel can provide useful information for further investigation and veterinary decision-making.

What does the Canine Diarrhoea Panel include?

The seven target qPCR screen includes:

  • Viruses: Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
  • Bacteria: Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium perfringens type A.
  • Protozoa: Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.

Who is this test suitable for?

Several infectious conditions can produce similar gastrointestinal signs. Therefore, we recommend considering this panel for:

  • Dogs with persistent or recurrent diarrhoea.
  • Dogs with unexplained soft stools or other digestive signs.
  • Puppies or young dogs where a veterinary surgeon recommends infectious-disease testing.
  • Dogs in shared environments, including kennels or daycare, where an infectious cause may need investigation.
  • Dogs with a previous gastrointestinal infection or a complex clinical history.

How does the testing process work?

Your kit includes clear instructions and the materials needed to collect and return one fresh, representative faecal sample from your dog.

Once the sample arrives, our molecular laboratory team carries out the targeted qPCR tests and reviews the findings. We then email your report within five working days of arrival.

Each target is reported separately as Detected or Not Detected. However, finding genetic material does not automatically establish the cause of your dog’s symptoms. Results should therefore be considered alongside clinical signs and veterinary history.

Important: If your dog is severely unwell, dehydrated, repeatedly vomiting or passing blood, seek prompt veterinary advice rather than waiting for test results. This is especially important for unwell puppies.

Our Canine Diarrhoea Panel uses targeted quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to screen one canine faecal sample for seven selected infectious targets.

Targeted qPCR Testing

Our molecular laboratory team examines the submitted sample for genetic material associated with specific viral, bacterial and protozoal targets. Unlike routine faecal microscopy, qPCR investigates selected genetic sequences rather than parasite eggs or larvae.

Viral Targets

The viral component includes Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).

Bacterial Targets

In addition, we screen for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium perfringens type A.

Protozoal Targets

The protozoal component covers Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.

Laboratory Reporting

We review and report each qPCR target separately as Detected or Not Detected. For detected targets, we also provide the quantification cycle (Cq) value. However, detection does not necessarily confirm the cause of diarrhoea. A veterinary surgeon should interpret the results alongside the animal’s clinical signs and history to determine their clinical significance.

This panel does not include a microscopic worm count or lungworm screen.

Clear laboratory results and free after-test advice are included where required.

Kit use-by date: 6 weeks from the date of purchase.

Our Canine Diarrhoea Panel provides an individual qPCR result for each of seven infectious targets investigated in your dog’s faecal sample.

Viral Results

  • Canine Parvovirus (CPV).
  • Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).

Bacterial Results

  • Salmonella spp.
  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Clostridium perfringens type A.

Protozoal Results

  • Giardia duodenalis.
  • Cryptosporidium spp.

Understanding Your Results

Each target is reported as Detected or Not Detected. For detected targets, we also provide the quantification cycle (Cq) value. A Detected result indicates that genetic material associated with the listed organism was found in the submitted sample.

Nevertheless, a positive result does not necessarily establish the cause of gastrointestinal signs. For example, some bacterial targets, including Clostridium perfringens type A, may also be present without causing clinical disease.

Likewise, a Not Detected result does not rule out all infectious or non-infectious causes of diarrhoea. Your dog’s clinical signs, history and any other relevant investigations remain important.

Our laboratory team reviews the findings before emailing your report. Free after-test advice is available where required.

qPCR panel: Our molecular laboratory team completes, reviews and issues results within five working days of the faecal sample arriving at our laboratory.

Sample collection: Collect one fresh, representative faecal sample from your dog. Follow the sample collection and return instructions supplied with your kit.

Use-by date: The test must be used before the expiry date printed on the laboratory request form. Please check this date before collecting and sending your sample.

Results: We email your laboratory report once the qPCR testing and review are complete.

If your dog requires urgent veterinary attention, do not wait for the qPCR result. Please contact our team before dispatch if you have questions about direct sample submission.

The Canine Diarrhoea Panel kit is prepared for one dog and contains the materials needed to collect and return one faecal sample to our laboratory.

  • Recyclable padded return packaging.
  • Free Tracked 24 return postage.
  • Laboratory request form and clear sample collection instructions.
  • Recyclable faecal sample collection box in a resealable write-on bag.
  • Biodegradable secondary sealable bag.
  • Biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon.

Please follow the supplied sample collection instructions carefully and ensure your sample reaches our laboratory before the kit’s use-by date, which is six weeks from the date of purchase.

How does it work?

1. Choose and order your test

Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.

Choose and order your test

Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.

2. Send your sample

The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.

3. Receive your results
Choose and order your test
2. Send your sample
3. Receive your results
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