TAPEWORMS IN HORSES - PROBLEMS AND EXPERI ENCES

The role of equine tapeworm infections in the aetiology of colic has r ecently attracted increased attention. This paper summarizes the resul ts of investigations and experiences in this problem done at our insti tute. Faecal samples from 1168 horses taken from 45 horse flocks mainl y in the northern part of Germany were examined using the NaCl/ZnCl2-f lotation method. Although examination of feces did not provide a defin itive diagnosis in all patients infected with tapeworms we were able t o identify 43 positive horses (4.6%). Mostly Anoplocephala spp. and on ly in two cases Paranoplocephala mamillana eggs were found. Tapeworm i nfected horses were treated and later examined three times by flotatio n method. In the case of Oxibendazol (orally, 10 mg/kg b.w.) and Pyran tel (orally, 19,8 mg/kg b.w.) we could not confirm the positive treatm ent results given in the literature. Praziquantel (1-2 mg/kg b.w., i.m .), which is up to now not available for horses, showed an efficacy of nearly 90 percent. No side effect could be observed.