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question for those microscope users


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Posted by teepee on April 30, 2003 at 16:29:42:

In Reply to: question for those microscope users posted by nathana on April 30, 2003 at 14:01:02:

The book:
Veterinary Clinical Parasitology by Margaret W. Sloss, Russell L. Kemp, Anne M. Zajac is a must have. This book has exact pictures of what different parasites and their eggs will look like under the scope. It also has a chapter on false indentification of parasites by way of debris such as pollen. This book is a softbound spiral, and will set you back about $50. It does not have extensive reptile parasitology info, but since most parasites between the species have a near accurate look, it will help you to a 98% accuracy.
Fecasol (Sodium Nitrate) solution can be purchased by the gallon from any pet supply catalog such as Doctors Fosters and Smith. It will cost about $20/gallon
Next it is best to get the little fecal float kits. These have a built in strainer and everything for a professional job. They are not necessary, but will make life easier. They are .20 cents each or come in a case of 50.
Next is the microscope. A simple 40-1200 scope is all that will be needed for this. You can pick up one of these from places such as Sears it should cost about $100-120 maybe less.
glass slides and slip covers should come with the scope, if not you'll need to pick up these also.
I have been doing fecals on my animals for some time now. It helps to be able to do them yourself as you can check and recheck new samples after treatment to make sure everything is gone. If you find something you cannot identify yourself, all you'll need to do then is take the slide to the vet for indentification.


:My wife (much more of a scientist than me) is interested in picking up the right materials (scope, tools, books, etc.) to start doing some learning on things like fecal checks. Any advice on things to buy or avoid? Places to get more information?





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