A fecal lactoferrin test can detect intestinal inflammation. High lactoferrin levels in stool suggest that inflammation is present. This may indicate a bacterial infection or inflammatory bowel ...

Q: I'm taking my pet to a new veterinarian, and they've asked me to bring in a fecal sample. What's the best way to collect and store it, and how "fresh" does it need to be? A: That's great. Fecal ...

When you’ve taken your dog in for a veterinary checkup, chances are you have heard the veterinarian discuss a fecal test and ...

A digital rectal examination (DRE) is a simple procedure doctors use to examine the lower rectum and other internal organs. A DRE is done for a number of reasons. It’s a quick, easy way to check the ...

My 9-year-old dog, Harper, recently underwent a battery of blood tests and a fecal exam for an upcoming surgery. Her results were normal for the most part, but the fecal exam turned up an unexpected ...

Pancreatic elastase is the digestive enzyme the pancreas produces to help digest food. Doctors can measure elastase levels by testing a stool sample. Low levels could indicate exocrine pancreatic ...

Constipation is difficulty emptying your bowels. Fecal impaction is the buildup of hardened stool in your bowel that you can’t pass. Fecal impaction is a potential complication of chronic constipation ...

Carley Millhone is a writer and editor based in the Midwest who covers health, women's wellness, and travel. Her work has appeared in publications like SELF, Greatist, and PureWow. Jay N. Yepuri, MD, ...