The world's most trusted name in healthcare presents broad-spectrum
parasite control, including tapeworms, in a single dose.

Equimax™ FAQ

• What damage do tapeworms cause? Aren't they just innocent bystanders?
  
• Is my horse at risk for contracting tapeworms?
  
• If tapeworms are so common, why haven't we detected them in our fecal exams?
  
• Can my horses contract tapeworm infections year 'round?
  
• Why don't we see tapeworm eggs in horse's manure as we do with dogs and cats?
  
• I've always been told to double-dose with pyrantel pamoate for tapeworms, isn't this good enough?
  
• What is praziquantel?
  
• Can my other pets get tapeworms?
  
• How often do I need to treat for tapeworms?
  
• Is Equimax™ safe?

What damage do tapeworms cause? Aren't they just innocent bystanders?
In the past, tapeworms were commonly observed in abdominal surgery and thought to be innocent bystanders within the horse's intestinal tract. In the 1980s, however, researchers began to suspect that these parasites played a much more detrimental role in the health of horses. It has now been demonstrated that tapeworms are a major cause of colic, with one landmark study revealing that 22% of spasmodic (gas) colics were caused by tapeworms and 81% of ileocecal impactions were associated with the parasite. Ileocecal intussusceptions—a potentially life-threatening, surgical condition—have been shown to be almost exclusively caused by tapeworms.

Is my horse at risk for contracting tapeworms?
New developments in veterinary diagnostics have recently permitted some breakthroughs in identifying exactly how many horses have been exposed to tapeworms throughout the country. One recent study utilized an ELISA test, capable of detecting tapeworm antigen released in the horse's blood. This study reports that more than 54% of the horses in the U.S. have been exposed to tapeworms with the highest exposure rates east of the Mississippi River (62.3% - 95.8%). Although the southwest has the lowest exposure to tapeworms, the data in this study reveals that horses are more likely to be exposed to tapeworms than many other diseases—such as EPM, West Nile Virus, etc.

If tapeworms are so common, why haven't we detected them in our fecal exams?
Recent research reveals that fecal flotation tests may be only about 3.1% effective in detecting the presence of tapeworms. The reason is simple. Fecal egg count tests involve placing fecal samples in a special solution. Parasite eggs then float to the top of a container and stick to a slide for microscopic examination. It is believed that tapeworm eggs do not float well in this medium and thus are not detectable by this method. Furthermore, fecal egg count tests can be unreliable because the number of eggs detected may vary widely between samples studied.

Can my horses contract tapeworm infections year 'round?
Tapeworms rely on an intermediate host, called the oribatid mite, to complete their life cycle. Oribatid mites are extremely common inhabitants in almost all forages (pastures, hay, etc.). Although there is some evidence of seasonal highs and lows in both oribatid mite and tapeworm populations, these pests do seem to be a problem throughout the year.

Why don't we see tapeworm eggs in horse's manure as we do with dogs and cats?
The tapeworms that occur in horses are a different species from those that are seen in dogs and cats—but they do reproduce in a similar manner, releasing segments, or packets, full of eggs into the animal's manure. While these egg packets look like rice segments in the feces of dogs and cats, they are not visible in horse manure. It is thought that the egg casings may be absorbed or even disintegrate before being excreted by the horse.

I've always been told to double-dose with pyrantel pamoate for tapeworms, isn't this good enough?
While some early studies showed that pyrantel pamoate may have some activity against tapeworms in a double or triple dose, no product in the U.S. received FDA approval for this use and the extent of the product's activity was never fully demonstrated. Equimax™, however, combines all of the efficacy of ivermectin with praziquantel, a safe and highly potent compound against equine tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata). In repeated studies, Equimax™ has shown significant strength, with 100% activity against tapeworms. Equimax™ also has a proven record of performance and safety with over 2.5 million doses sold in more than 25 countries.

What is praziquantel?
Praziquantel is a member of the pyrozine family of anthelmintics. While ivermectin has strong efficacy against nematodes (such as small strongyles and roundworms) and arthropods (bots), praziquantel is known to destroy cestodes like the equine tapeworm. The compound's exact mode of action isn't known, but this powerful dewormer is thought to work by damaging the tapeworm's absorptive outer layer. Once this is accomplished, the parasite is vulnerable to the horse's immune system, resulting in detachment and disintegration of the tapeworm.

Can my other pets get tapeworms?
Anoplocephala perfoliata is by far the most common species of tapeworm affecting horses. Anoplocephala magna and Paranoplocephala mamillana also infect horses but are considered to be rather rare in the U.S. These equine tapeworms solely appear in horses and other equines and do not seem to occur in other species. While cestodes like the tapeworm are also common in dogs (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia pisiformis) and cats (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis) these parasites do not seem to have any affect on horses.

How often do I need to treat for tapeworms?
You should always consult your veterinarian in building a deworming program that best fits your regional performance needs. Equimax™ is highly effective against all major species of equine parasites in addition to tapeworms, and thus should be a main component in any deworming program.

Is Equimax™ safe?
Equimax™ has undergone extensive testing for both safety and efficacy to receive FDA approval in the United States. Equimax is the global leader for ivermectin combinations. Equimax™ paste may be used in horses 4 weeks of age and older. Stallions may be treated without adversely affecting their fertility. Equimax™ is also FDA approved for use in pregnant mares.

Equimax™ has a proven record of performance and safety with more than 2.5 million doses administered to horses in over 25 countries over the past 2.5 years.