The role of the equine tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata in cases of colic
caused by ileocecal junction abnormalities has recently become increasingly
evident; new data suggest that the risk of spasmodic colic and ileal impac
tion colic increases with infection intensity in affected horses. Diagnosin
g tapeworm infection by traditional fecal flotation methods is often unrewa
rding, and many false-negative results occur. Equine anthelmintics are usua
lly not effective against tapeworms; however, both pyrantel and praziquante
l have been shown to be capable of eliminating A. perfoliata infections in
horses.