Difficult stool sample collection- any ideas?

[elly]

I'm trying to get my frog, Bonk checked out, but he always either poops in the water dish, or has a very tiny watery smear.

Does anyone know how big the sample would need to be in order to get properly checked out? Can labs do analysis based only on a tiny smear on a paper towel?

Also, the vet's asked that the sample be fresh. Since it takes about thirty minutes to get to the vet's I'm assuming I'd have to leave as soon as I spotted the poop unless refrigeration would help. Can refrigeration help? How long can it be left and still be fresh?

I've almost considered leaving the water dish out of the tank for a night and just misting the tank well, but that sounds dangerous. I'm pretty sure this frog has some kind of problem, given the runny poop and I'd like to get him treated as soon as possible, but it's really frustrating me.

[Mentat]

Hi Elly; sorry your frog is not well . Suggest call the veterinary office and ask how long you have to take sample there and if refrigeration is OK. Don't think leaving water out for 1 night is going to hurt frog. Good luck !

[irThumper]

Any updates...? Am also really curious about how to send stool sample to be tested: amount, time refrigerated, etc

[elly]

I found a smaller than pea-sized sample this morning and brought it in in a contact lens case. They said it was plenty.

They didn't find any parasites, but he's got a lot of protozoa. ("Hey, look at this!" coming from the lab room is not really a good sign.) Since his poop is runny, I'm going to take him in tomorrow and get something to treat him.

[flybyferns]

I found a smaller than pea-sized sample this morning and brought it in in a contact lens case. They said it was plenty.

They didn't find any parasites, but he's got a lot of protozoa. ("Hey, look at this!" coming from the lab room is not really a good sign.) Since his poop is runny, I'm going to take him in tomorrow and get something to treat him.

Hello elly,
Good for you ...
It's great that you caught this .
I hope your frog makes a quick turn around!