In a novel veterinary study, researchers set out to uncover two key aspects of canine and feline health testing. Firstly, they investigated whether the method of fecal sample collection (naturally voided versus obtained via digital rectal examination) influenced the outcomes of fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) in dogs. Secondly, they aimed to determine the effectiveness of human fecal hemoglobin immunochemical tests in detecting blood in dog and cat samples.

The study involved 308 dogs, both healthy and ill, from private owners. The research team conducted guaiac FOBTs on paired fecal samples - one collected naturally and the other obtained rectally. They employed the kappa statistic to evaluate the agreement between the two collection methods. Additionally, a multivariate regression model helped identify factors linked to positive FOBT results. The study also tested two fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), namely Hemosure One Step and OC-Light S, using diluted human, canine, and feline blood.

The findings were intriguing. The agreement between voided and rectally obtained samples for FOB positivity was substantial (kappa value = 0.80), with a 92.5% concordance rate. Interestingly, only a small number of dogs (13 out of 308) tested negative with voided samples but positive with rectal samples. Multivariate analysis revealed that dogs with gastrointestinal diseases were more likely to have positive FOBT results, while heavier dogs were less likely. Variables like health status, fasting status, NSAID use, and age showed associations in univariate analysis but not in the multivariate model. Crucially, the study found that human FITs failed to detect canine or feline blood at any concentration, although they worked as expected with human blood.

The clinical implications of these findings are significant. They suggest that rectally obtained fecal samples are reliable for conducting FOBTs in dogs. However, the ineffectiveness of human fecal immunochemical tests in detecting blood in pets indicates a need for further evaluation of other available tests for animal use. This research not only offers insights into better diagnostic practices but also raises important questions about the adaptability of human medical tests for veterinary purposes.

Read the full article here: Rectally obtained fecal samples can be used for fecal occult blood testing in dogs, and fecal immunochemical tests do not detect canine or feline blood