Are Worm Counts effective for Tapeworm?

[legaldancer]

I'm currently using an Equest/Pramox worming programme, but intend to get a worm count before I administer the next dose, incase its not needed.
Is it tapeworm that the worm count can't give results for? If so, should I use the Pramox anyway?

 

[amycov]

Tapeworm doesn't show so yes, use the Pramox anyway and then get a worm count next time around for the normal Equest.

 

[merlinsquest]

Blood tests for tapes I'm afraid

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Agree with Merlins Quest - need bloods for tapeworm - but do get worm count done as it may mean you can miss a worming. We do worm counts as part of our worming programme - and have bloods done for tapes - and my mare has had a zero worm count for nearly 7 years now - has reducued use of wormers considerably. Will be testing my boy for the first time this year.

 

[RachelB]

If your count comes back as nil, you don't still need to use Pramox - you can use Equitape. This will kill the tapeworm that only show up on blood analysis, as said above, but nothing else. Before Pramox came out, I believe normal practise was to use Equest and Equitape... but Pramox now does the job of both.

 

[PeterNatt]

Please be aware that emerging encysted small red worms will not show up on a worm count and again only with a blood test.

 

[eoe]

For Tape and Pin worms you have to have a blood test done which so far as I understand it has to be sent out to be tested and there are only a few places that do this as it is a specialised test, which is why most yards worm for these in their worming programmes and do not expect liveries to spend out on the blood test as it equates to around £60+ per horse which includes the vets call out. We use Pyratape or Strongid P for these worms and always always double dose as these wormers are for exactly that purpose.

 

[kellyeaton]

blood test i am afaird for tape worms. abby diognotics told me the only way you would see tape worms in a worm count is if they have a very very heavy burden!

 

[legaldancer]

Thank you everyone for your answers. It's great to have access to so many knowledgeable people. My next question is am I too late to worm for Tapeworms? I wormed with equest about 9 weeks ago with Equest (mid March) which was my Winter dose. The next will be my Spring dose (Pramox). It's a long story, but I'm about 4 weeks behind where I should be seasonally.

 

[legaldancer]

Done a bit of research & I'll worm for tapeworm next with Pramox & then Equest only if necessary, subject to a count. Seems its best to worm for tape in Autumn & Spring (April). But ok anytime.

 

[kellyeaton]

no not to late for tape worm but if you wormed with equest 9 weeks ago that is still active so dont use a combi wormer just give something for tape worms only something like equitape!

 

[Nic74]

Pyratape does not need double dosing as somebody above said, it is designed to kill everything in a single dose. I use it twice a year (around March and November) to target encysted small redworms and tapeworm. I have my own yard and grazing which is poo picked twice a day every day and that combined with the twice yearly wormers is all I do, I never ever give any other wormer.