Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose liver flukes in live animals is by doing a fecal sedimentation due to the ova being so big. The eggs of F. hepatica are golden to brown color and are typically 130–150 µm long by 60–90 µm wide. Not only can ova be seen but using a special technique, called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, adult liver flukes can also be seen. Antibody testing is also an option when diagnosing Fascioliasis.

When liver flukes feed on the liver there is often a presence of scar tissue. This however can only be diagnosed after the animal is deceased. This is a very clear and definitive way to diagnose liver flukes in an animal. However determining the difference of F. hepatica compared to F. gigantica may take a bit more of a thorough diagnostic approach using microscopes and measuring the parasites.