How to Talk About Faecal Antigen Testing with Clients
Routine faecal antigen testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term health and well-being of pets. It allows veterinarians to detect and address parasitic infections early, preventing severe health issues in pets and potential zoonotic diseases in humans.
While deworming and preventive measures are essential, they aren't foolproof—comprehensive testing with faecal testing alongside regular deworming is key. Clear communication with clients surrounding the benefits of faecal testing is important to improve compliance and keep their pets healthy. Here is the necessary information to share with clients, as well as some tips on how to best communicate with them and how to answer common questions.
Key Information to Communicate When Recommending Faecal Testing to Clients
When talking about faecal testing with clients, include these points in your discussion:
Zoonotic Risks of Faecal Parasites
A critical point to emphasise to clients is that some faecal parasites are zoonotic and can be transmitted from pets to humans. Parasites such as Toxocara canis can cause significant health issues in humans, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and immunocompromised individuals.
By conducting regular faecal tests, we can identify and treat these infections early, reducing the risk of transmission to humans.
Importance of Yearly Faecal Testing
Annual faecal antigen testing is vital to detect any parasite infections that may be present. Parasites can often be asymptomatic in pets, showing no obvious signs of illness. Regular testing ensures these hidden infections are identified and treated promptly, preventing potential health complications.
Limitations of Preventive Measures
Preventive measures, while critical, are not 100% effective. For example, flea preventives do not stop fleas from coming into contact with pets, meaning that flea tapeworm infections (e.g., Dipylidium caninum) can still occur.
The active insecticidal compounds in flea preventives have not been proven to kill tapeworms at any life stage, so if a pet ingests an infected flea, it can still contract the tapeworm. Therefore, regular faecal antigen testing remains a crucial part of a comprehensive preventive care plan.
Insights from Studies
Sharing specific data from studies can increase compliance. For example, the DOGWALKS study, which surveyed nearly 2,500 dogs to estimate the prevalence of canine intestinal parasites by collecting faecal samples in cities across Western Europe, found significant rates of intestinal parasite infections despite the use of preventive measures. Overall, 22.8% of dogs tested positive for an intestinal parasite. The study's data can be a powerful tool in convincing pet owners of the necessity of annual faecal tests in addition to preventive measures.
Addressing Client Concerns and Questions
Naturally, your clients will have questions about faecal antigen testing, so it's helpful to have a script for your responses. Here's a look at some common questions clients may ask and how to respond.
My pet is on preventives, so why is faecal testing still needed?
Example response: While preventives are essential for reducing the risk of parasite infections, they are not 100% effective. Regular faecal antigen testing allows us to catch any infections that may slip through, ensuring your pet remains healthy and preventing potential spread to your family.
What happens if my pet tests positive for parasites?
Example response: If your pet tests positive, we will prescribe an appropriate treatment to eliminate the infection. We'll also discuss preventive measures to reduce the risk of future infections and recommend a follow-up test to ensure the treatment was effective.
Is faecal testing necessary even if my pet doesn't show any symptoms of illness?
Example response: Yes, many parasites do not cause noticeable symptoms initially, but they can still pose serious health risks over time. Regular testing helps us catch these silent infections early, preventing complications and keeping your pet healthy.
How often is faecal testing done?
Example response: We recommend faecal testing at least once a year for most pets. However, pets that spend a lot of time outdoors or in environments with other animals might benefit from more frequent testing. We can discuss the best schedule for your pet's specific needs.
Communicating the importance of routine faecal testing effectively requires veterinarians to provide clear, evidence-based information and address common concerns empathetically. By highlighting the limitations of preventive measures, the zoonotic risks of parasites, and the benefits of early detection, we can help pet owners understand the critical role that regular faecal testing plays in their pet's health.
