Lifecycle: Tapeworm
eggs develop in the oribatid "grass" mite, over 2-4 months.
When infected mites are swallowed, tapeworms mature inside the horse
in 4-6 weeks.
How It Gets Into Your Horse: The horse ingests infected mites.
Dangers If Left Untreated: Severe tapeworm infection can cause
intestinal irritation. Fatal intestinal blockage can occur as worms accumulate
at the ileocecal junction - the 3-way junction between the small intestine,
large intestine, and cecum. New research shows that over 50% of
horses tested in the US have been infected with tapeworms.
Control note: Today ComboCare® is the only FDA approved, over-the-counter
dewormer labeled for both tapeworm and encysted small strongyle control.
It suppresses egg counts for 84 days, minimizing pasture reinfestation.
ComboCare contains a moxidectin/ praziquantel compound. Other over-the-counter
dewormers that contain praziquantel are Zimecterin® Gold ™ and
Equimax™; however, these dewormers do not control
encysted small strongyles.
Over-the-counter
Broad Spectrum Combination Dewormer |
Tapeworm
Control |
Small Strongyle
Protection |
FDA-Approved Control |
Encysted
Stages |
Longer Lasting Egg Suppression |
ComboCare®
(moxidectin/praziquantel) |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Zimecterin® Gold™
(ivermectin/praziquantel) |
yes |
no |
no |
Equimax™
(ivermectin/praziquantel) |
yes |
no |
no |
All trademarks are property of their respective owners. |
