Praziquantel Use in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Praziquantel is a member of the pyrozine group of dewormers that is effective against cestodes which is the family of helminths called tapeworms. There are three species which infect horses and horses only: Paranoplocephala mamillana, Anoplocephala magna, and Anoplocephala perfoliata. As we learn more about tapeworms, our understanding grows that they are an important cause of both medical and surgical colic cases in equines.

In 2003 there was an explosion of combination products containing praziquantel in combination with ivermectin and moxidectin (Quest). These products bear names like Equimax, Quest Plus, Eqvalan Gold, Zimectrin Gold etc. No other approved deworming products at regular doses are effective against tapes in horses. This article is about the use, pharmacology, effectiveness, toxicity, and dosage of praziquantel and the new combination products.

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