During a fecal examination, what is a primary goal when analyzing an animal's feces?

The primary goal when analyzing an animal's feces during a fecal examination is to look for parasites. This is crucial because many gastrointestinal parasites, such as worms and protozoa, can have significant health implications for the animal. Identifying these parasites helps in diagnosing infections that may cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, or anemia. Effective treatment can then be prescribed once these parasites are detected.

While assessing dehydration, nutritional status, and blood content can provide valuable information about an animal’s overall health, these are not the primary focus of a fecal examination. A fecal analysis is specifically designed to identify the presence of parasitic eggs, larvae, or adult forms in the stool, which can then inform appropriate interventions and management strategies for the animal's health.