Tapeworm alert

[Ciss]

I normally just post on the Breeding forum but I thought this info was of much more general importance so decided to post it here instead.

I was at a welfare meeting last week when the subject of tapeworm infestation of equines came up and it was reported that this is much more widespread than has been thought up to now, especially as tapeworm infestation can only be identified through a blood test and not through in a normal worm count from dung.

As the optimum time for worming for treatment is mid November if you think your horses and ponies may have a tape worm problem -- or even if you don't and just want to make sure -- you should gt the blood test done as soon as possible and then taka appropriate action.

I gather that worming for tapeworm can also take place in the spring but is not as effective.

 

[lexiedhb]

I think some people worm for tape worm in Nov as a matter of course!

 

[Lotty]

I took a worm sample and sent it to Westgate Labs 2wks ago. The day after I wormed my mare with equest pramox.

The samples came back on Friday and her count was 50 so that was great.

Do you think I'll have to worm again in Nov?

 

[lexiedhb]

I dont know if tapeworm shows up in worm counts to be honest..... like Ciss says I think its only by blood count!

 

[TrecPeter]

We de-worm our horses systematically every spring and autumn.

 

[spaniel]

Tapeworm doesnt show up in faecal worm counts, you need to have a blood test taken for that.

 

[Lotty]

I thought it didn't include tapeworm, thanks.

As I wormed her 2wks ago, will I still have to worm in Nov?

 

[M_G]

I thought it was standard practice to worm for tapeworm in Nov

 

[WishfulThinker]

So which wormer is best?? The yard I was at, and my new one are on a programme with the local vets where they do worm counts and worm accordingly, so my gelding has not been done wince Feb/March. I am feeling that I will independantly worm for tapeworm, but to be honest I am not sure what one to use! They were on Equi??? something - in a green box with horses galloping on it

 

[Hedgewitch13]

We've just done our yard for tapeworm - we do it as a matter of course every autumn (not meaning to sound smug there!)

 

[lexiedhb]

Ours was done too.....

 

[Alibear]

urgh I hate this time of year, yes we routinley worm for tapeworm every autmun but every year it makes my horse scour and then loose condition and bang goes the winter.
He's retired and living out happy and fat at the moment and ideally I'd like to keep it that way, history shows that if we worm him it wont be the case. ARghhhhh.

 

[Theresa_F]

I worm count all year and worm as required and equest in December for encysted worms which also do not show on counts. I do worm for tape about now - sending off worm count sample tomorrow. I do a worm count first so I know whether they need just tape or a duo wormer.

Our YO double doses in July and will not have it that there are specialist tape wormers available and double dosing is really a thing of the past, plus it should really be done in October.

Therefore as mine are in together, I follow my own worming programme.

I did suggest blood tests to my vet, but he said as they are not having problems with weight or colic, that once a year worming was the better option for them.

 

[Gillb]

Thank you Ciss.

Although a worm count is as you say, not definitive for tapeworm, we do often see tapeworm eggs and of course report them with the results.

It might be worth remembering that praziquantel treats all 3 types of tapes to affect horses, whereas double pyrantel only treats the most common one.

Praziquantel = Equitape
Equimax, Eqvalan-duo, Furexel-combi (with ivermectin)
Equest Pramox (with moxidectin)

Pyrantel (double dose for tapeworm)= Strongid p, Pyratape p, Exodus

 

[Donkeymad]

I very rarely worm as I have regular counts done, but am aware of Tapeworm not usually showing in counts, so tapeworm them as a matter of routine in November. I will be sending worm counts next week to see if I need to worm for Tape only or others also.