A fecal exam is the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house vet lab in Turlock. The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family. Fecals allow your vet to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.  Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans. Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are often hidden from view. The only way to detect them is with a fecal exam. Annual fecal examinations should be a vital part of every pet's routine wellness exam.