Equine tapewormsPhoto kindly provided by University of Liverpool Diagnosteq Lab Most horses are exposed to tapeworm and they may become infected at any age. Light infection is common, and if limited, is unlikely to produce any clinical signs. In severe cases, infection can cause physical damage to the gastrointestinal tract resulting in the following clinical signs:
- Diarrhoea
- Dull Coat
- Poor Growth
- Intermittent Colic Episodes
- Poor performance
- General Lethargy
- Ulceration of the GI lining
- Colic
- Obstruction
- Rupture
- Anaemia
- Un-thriftiness
Diagnostics & Treatment of Tapeworm
We know from the tapeworm life cycle that when the tapeworm sheds its eggs they are dispersed in a segment of its body called the proglottid.
If the proglottid remains intact then no eggs will be found in the faeces in spite of the horse being infected. As a result, tapeworm eggs are rarely detected in faecal egg counts (FEC) even if the horse is infected.
ELISA Antibody Test
The ELISA antibody test can be utilised to check for tapeworm exposure. This test is convenient and simple to carry out as saliva samples can be utilised.
Tapeworm - treatment options and resistance
| Fenbendazole | Pyrantel | Ivermectin | Moxidectin | Praziquantel | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anoplocephala spp. | Not indicated | Effective when used at double the “normal” roundworm dose Resistance status undetermined – reports of resistance emerging from the US |
Not indicated | Not indicated | Resistance suspected but generally appears to remain highly effective – reports of resistance emerging from the US | |
Source: Canter Guidelines
Remains effective for indicated use
Resistance emerging or suspected
Some resistance reported – FECRT should be performed
Resistance common – should only be used with supportive FECRT results
Not indicated for use for treatment
