Tapeworm in Horses – a complete guide.

Tapeworm in horses is a common yet often overlooked concern for horse owners.

The parasite, Anoplocephala perfoliata, can lead to digestive distress, colic, and, in severe cases, dangerous intestinal blockages. Managing this threat requires a thorough understanding of how tapeworms affect your horse, how to prevent infections, and what treatments are available.

Understanding Tapeworm Infection

Horses contract tapeworms by ingesting oribatid mites that live on grass in grazing areas. These mites carry tapeworm larvae, which develop into adult tapeworms inside the horse’s intestines. Tapeworms then latch onto the intestinal lining, particularly around the ileocecal junction (where the small intestine meets the cecum), leading to potential inflammation, colic, or even impaction.

Why Addressing Tapeworm is Crucial:

Tapeworms in horses can cause significant health risks, often leading to persistent colic and poor condition. Worse still, many horses may show no symptoms at all, meaning infections can go unnoticed until they cause serious harm.

Signs of Tapeworm Infection

Though some horses may carry tapeworms without obvious symptoms, signs to watch for include:

  • Weight loss or poor condition despite a proper diet
  • Recurring colic (often mild but persistent)
  • Diarrhoea or inconsistent manure
  • Poor performance or lethargy
  • Irritability or signs of discomfort

Diagnosing Tapeworm Infection

Diagnosing tapeworm in horses can be tricky because the eggs are often not present in regular faecal egg counts (FECs). We recommend a saliva test, which checks for antibodies to the tapeworm antigen. This test provides a clear indication of recent exposure and whether treatment is necessary.

Pro Tip: Incorporate regular testing into your care plan—especially in autumn—so you can catch any infection before it becomes a larger issue.

Treatment Options for Tapeworm in Horses

In the UK, two treatments effectively combat tapeworms:

Praziquantel: A potent ingredient found in combination wormers that targets both immature and adult tapeworms.

Pyrantel embonate (double dose): Another broad-spectrum treatment used at a double dose to effectively treat tapeworm infections.

We recommend testing and treating for tapeworms every autumn (Oct/Nov), followed by keeping horses off pasture for 24 hours to prevent recontamination.

Tapeworm in Horses: Prevention and Management Strategies

Prevention is just as important as treatment. Implementing management practices can significantly reduce the risk of tapeworm infection.

Pasture Management: To lower the number of oribatid mites on pasture, regularly rotate grazing areas, remove manure frequently, and avoid overstocking paddocks.

Faecal Egg Counts (FECs): While FECs may not detect tapeworms, they can help identify other parasitic burdens. Regular testing allows for more targeted deworming.

Strategic Deworming: Avoid unnecessary or blanket deworming. Overuse of dewormers can lead to resistance, so always deworm under veterinary guidance to ensure you’re treating specifically for tapeworms when needed.

Final Thoughts on Tapeworm in Horses

Managing tapeworm in horses requires a strategic approach, combining regular testing, appropriate treatment, and sound pasture management. Being proactive about tapeworm control not only protects your horse’s digestive health but also reduces the risk of more serious complications like colic or blockages.

Call South Moor Vets for immediate Peace of mind around Tapeworm

Book a saliva test with us today to assess your horse’s risk for tapeworm infection and ensure its health year-round.