Because of our unique 3-container mailing system, specimens will remain fresh for up to 3 weeks after mailing. Parasite eggs are very similar to chicken eggs. They are quite resilient and will remain intact long after they reach their “expiration date”. I have actually examined an old, dried up “road apple” and easily identified Strongyle eggs throughout the sample.
Fecal results should be sent to you within a week of you mailing in the sample. Before calling or emailing us for your late results, please check your spam folder. More than likely, you’ll find your report there!
A. This depends on the age and condition of the horse as well as prior fecal results. Older horses generally have fewer issues due to a natural worm resistance that has developed over time. Young horses, especially those under three years of age, need more frequent testing. As a rule of thumb, many equine veterinarian suggest fecals be done at least four times a year for adult horses. If a horse is under three years of age, every other month is best. This schedule should be followed until there are few to no parasites seen on a few consecutive samples. Then the time between samples can be increased.
A. We test all specimens that arrive that day which means we test every day except Sundays and holidays in which there is no mail delivery. But to answer your question, we are at the mercy of the US Mail system which, at times, can be very erratic. We have received samples the day after being mailed and we have also received specimens a week after being mailed. Long delays do not jeopardize the integrity of the fecal egg count but we do understand the wait can be very frustrating.
