eggregiousness Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 I was reading how some people are having regular faecal samples tested for the presence of worm eggs instead of regular worming, and found this brilliant explanation of the procedure. Hope it is of interest! http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Review/Parasitology/Faeces/Purpose.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 I actually checked my tortoise hatchlings poo for worms when she was under the weather some time ago and found that she had a heavy burden bless her. I was told how to do it from a lady on a tortoise forum and it is actually quite simple. I even managed to take photo's of the worm eggs through the microscope Here is a link to explain how to perform the procedure. This site is to do with cattle but it works the same way. Here I have also got a file showing the different types of eggs you may find so if anyone would like me to email it to them just let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 Oh good - it's reassuring to see another site describing the technique in the same way. I am thinking of getting a microscope. Omlet have a 200X USB scope for sale for £49.95. I will look around to see if that is a good deal or not. I have guinea pigs, a tortoise, cats and soon will have chickens (I hope!) I could use it for all of them to avoid routine worming. Mind you - don't fancy doing th cats very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 LOL @ doing the cats poo. I thought exactly the same. Don't think I could stomach it to be honest!! I got great clear results from using a normal kids microscope. Y'know the type you get from Argos. Not very expensive but powerful enough-as you can see from the photo's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 I should have said - your photos are brilliant! How much was the Argos scope? i have so far found a 400x USB one for £69.95 with 1.3 megapixels or a 400x with 2 mega mixels for £79.99. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 £24.99 Argos link I just borrowed daughters one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 My daughters' one has long since been discarded somewhere. I made a terri ble mistake and looked on Amazon and am now lusting after an Apex scope costing £195.95. When will I ever learn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 There is no reason why you shouldn't do your own examinations, they are very straight forward. What you have to bear in mind is that when they are done commercially you are given an 'egg count' This is the number of eggs found per gram. This gives you and idea as to the significance of the findings. A low number of eggs is in many cases (depending on the worm and animal tested) considered normal. Medium to high numbers are obviously a cause for concern. The reason for this is that you can treat an animal for worms and they will then be clear but only until they next re infect themselves which could be the next day - so worming at regular intervals means that the egg counts are kept low and therefore disease caused by worms is kept to a minimun. Obviously if you find no worms, you don't need to worm but if you find a few after regular worming, it does not mean that your wormers are not working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 I've used one of these in the past. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Blue-QX5-Computer-Microscope/dp/B0002HLKI2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I've used one of these in the past. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Blue-QX5-Computer-Microscope/dp/B0002HLKI2 Had to laugh at the Amazon link where it offers to add this to your wedding list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPoule Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Does anyone know the minumum magnification required to comfortably spot the eggs - I have seen one for about £30 which does x200, but the x400 is about £50. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Wow this has taken me back. When I was younger I had a wonderful aunt and uncle and my brother and I used to LOVE getting their Christmas presents as they were always so imaginative and nothing we had asked for. One year my brother got a telescope and I got a microscope. I adore it and would find things and put in a a slide and look at it, dont know where it ended up. Now I have a five year old and some pets is that a good enough excuse to buy a microscope?! Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Wow this has taken me back. When I was younger I had a wonderful aunt and uncle and my brother and I used to LOVE getting their Christmas presents as they were always so imaginative and nothing we had asked for. One year my brother got a telescope and I got a microscope. I adore it and would find things and put in a a slide and look at it, dont know where it ended up. Now I have a five year old and some pets is that a good enough excuse to buy a microscope?! Michelle I think you need one each! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 I got a USB digital microscope off ebay for £25 inc P&P from Hong kong, that seller doesn't have any for sale on ebay at the moment, buy you could email them and ask? PM me if you want the address It has a 230X zoom, 8 LED's and is 1.3 megapixels, similar model to this one. Its a better spec than the Omlet one, and was half the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
