Faecal testing is commonly done in small animal practice, but do we really know how to interpret these results? This talk will aim to provide information on common pathogens and their significance to clinical patients. This will hopefully allow practitioners to carefully select appropriate tests for individual patients and to avoid over interpretation and subsequent over treatment of individuals. We will also discuss the use and potential misuse of antibiotics in patients with diarrhoea and our role in antibiotic stewardship