QUESTIONS

1. Why should a faecal sample be stored with care, and not for an undue length of time?
2. What is the most suitable type of receptacle for the collection of a faecal sample?
3. Why should a faecal sample container ideally be filled to the top?
4. What points of interest should be noted on a visual examination of faecal matter?
5. What is the most probable cause of haematochezia (frank blood) in faeces?
6. What is meant by occult blood?
7. Why must an animal be fed a meat-free diet for 3 days prior to the collection of a faecal sample for occult blood testing?
8. What is the name of the brown-orange bile pigment found in faeces?
9. What is melaena?
10. What is the name of the counting chamber used to assess the quantity of worm eggs in faeces?
11. Why are faecal flotation tests such as the McMaster technique and Ovassay method useless when looking for tapeworm ova?
12. You are asked to examine some faecal smears; what stains would you use and why?