CAT – How to diagnose tapeworm in an individual horse

Anoplocephala perfoliata, the most common intestinal tapeworm in horses has been linked to various causes of colic. In view of this, different diagnostic techniques have been researched and developed over the years but all have various limitations. Parasite resistance is becoming more widespread and although there is little evidence about existing tapeworm resistance, prevention is better than cure. Equally, pyrantel is an anthelmintic used for the treatment of tapeworm but which remains efficacious in cases of strongyle infestations and therefore should be preserved. Some countries like Denmark have made diagnosis mandatory in order to treat parasitic infestations making diagnostic tests invaluable ...