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Fecal Dx antigen testing

Algorithm for fecal screening on sick dogs

Testing recommendations vary based on the duration and severity of diarrhea and the health and dietary habits of the dog or dogs affected.

In simple diarrhea cases of short duration, a Giardia antigen by ELISA or the SNAP Giardia Test is recommended in addition to Fecal Dx antigen testing and fecal flotation by centrifugation. A more comprehensive diarrhea RealPCR panel is recommended in complicated diarrhea cases.

Man hugging smooth dachshund
Simple diarrhea versus complicated diarrhea
Simple diarrhea
  • Otherwise clinically healthy and bright, alert, and responsive (BAR)
  • Mild diarrhea <24 hours in duration
  • Only one dog affected
  • +/– history of dietary indiscretion or recent diet change

 

Complicated diarrhea
  • Clinically sick dog (lethargy, inappetance)
  • Severe or hemorrhagic diarrhea
  • Recurrent or persistent diarrhea
  • Multiple animals affected
Use the following algorithm to rule out infectious diseases by differentiating between simple and complicated diarrhea and testing accordingly.
Simple diarrhea
  • Otherwise clinically healthy and bright, alert, and responsive (BAR)
  • Mild diarrhea <24 hours in duration
  • Only one dog affected
  • +/– history of dietary indiscretion or recent diet change
Fecal Dx Profile with Giardia (test code FDXGP)
Positive on antigen ELISA testing or fecal O&P testing
Negative on both
Treat with targeted therapy
Trial treatment with broad-spectrum dewormer
If diarrhea persists >24 hours
Diarrhea RealPCR Panel (Comprehensive) with Fecal Dx Profile—Canine (test code FDXPCD)

If negative or if diarrhea persists despite targeted therapy, evaluate for primary or concurrent noninfectious causes. Consider:

Dietary trials (high fiber or novel protein/hypoallergenic)
Cobalamin (vitamin B12), folate, TLI, Spec cPL Test
Abdominal ultrasound
Endoscopic or surgical intestinal biopsies

Complicated diarrhea
  • Clinically sick dog (lethargy, inappetance)
  • Severe or hemorrhagic diarrhea
  • Recurrent or persistent diarrhea
  • Multiple animals affected
Non-bloody diarrhea
Bloody diarrhea
Diarrhea RealPCR Panel (Comprehensive) with Fecal Dx Profile—Canine (test code FDXPCD)
SNAP Parvo Test positive?
No
Yes
If poor response to therapy, evaluate for coinfections
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)/Bloody Diarrhea RealPCR Panel with Fecal Dx Profile—Canine (test code FDXPHD)

If negative or if diarrhea persists despite targeted therapy, evaluate for primary or concurrent noninfectious causes. Consider:

Dietary trials (high fiber or novel protein/hypoallergenic)
Cobalamin (vitamin B12), folate, TLI, Spec cPL Test
Abdominal ultrasound
Endoscopic or surgical intestinal biopsies

Testing "healthy" dogs

Young boy and golden retriever lie face to face on grass

In seemingly healthy adult dogs, flotation by centrifugation misses half of the most common parasites.1

See the algorithm for screening "healthy" dogs.

Talk with your clients

Woman reading brochure on parasite screening

Help your pet owners be proactive about regular parasite screening. Get resources to increase client compliance and reduce the spread of infection.

Increase client compliance

Reference

  1. Data on file at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, Maine USA.