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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Parasites and Worms » Tapeworms, Cestode spp »
  Discussion on Tapeworms and Colic
Author Message

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2001 - 4:47 pm:

Dr. O, I recently posted messages under the topic Colic & GI Diseases with respect to a Lipoma Tumour. My following questions are related to that colic episode with respect to deworming.

I have read the Article on Deworming and Parasite Control. I have NEVER specifically dewormed my horses (17 yrs & 11 yrs) for Tapeworms. I have however followed a fairly diligent deworming program over the years. Generally I rotate dewormers every time I deworm. The general recommendation from veterinarians (in Alberta, that I have known) is usually deworming every 3 months. I was told deworming for Tapeworms is not a concern in my area (vet clinic).

Since the diagnosis my vet made for the colic episodes my 17 year old Arab had recently (last 6 weeks), he also recommended as part of the "management" program for the Lipoma is that I make sure I deworm every 2 months.

Since reading your articles on deworming and parasites, I realize that even every 2 months is not entirely sufficient.

Since my Arab has NEVER been dewormed for Tapeworms, I am wondering if a Tapeworm infestation could have been a contributing factor to the colic episodes?

Also, I'm just wondering if I would be okay to double-dose him ASAP with Strongid P to get rid of the tapes (however, if he's full of tapes, I don't want to cause another colic).

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 3, 2001 - 7:50 am:

Yes tape worm infestations are associated with colic (Equine Vet J Suppl 2000 Jun;(32):37-41
Investigation of an outbreak of tapeworm-associated colic in a training yard.Proudman CJ, Holdstock NB) so this is possible. Yes I think you would be safe to give a double dose of Strongid.

If there is a heavy infestation this will result in a temporary inflammatory disease of the bowel where the worms detach, but I have not seen or read where a horse was seriously hurt by this procedure for tapes. I could recommend smaller doses at first but the double dose is just barely effective at a double dose so I do not know if smaller doses first, say a dose and a half followed by a double dose 3 weeks later, would help minimize problems.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 3, 2001 - 8:47 am:

On I forgot to mention, we have just about completed a aritcle on Tapeworms and it should soon join our recent new articles detailing lifecycles and diseases of specific intestinal parasites. Should be up in the next week or so.
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Oct 4, 2001 - 11:45 am:

Thank you Dr. O for your advice. I will look forward to the new article on Tapeworms.
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