Study Demonstrates a Connection between Tapeworm Infestation and Colic

Sources: thehorse.com, Pub Med

A newly published article in the Journal, Veterinary Research communications, challenges the previously held opinion that tapeworms are not a significant factor in colic.

In the last twenty years, the equine tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, has been discovered to be a common occurrence in horses with colic, but it was not considered to be a causal factor. However, the authors of this article have demonstrated that there is significant damage done by the parasite which is associated with various types of colic such as ruptures, impaction, and obstructions.

The researchers examined parasite load and intestinal structural damage in 31 horses. They found lesions in the mucosal lining, excessive cell growth in the muscle layers, and impairment to the nerves in the intestines of horses with heavy infestation of A. perforliata.

A regular program of deworming will help avoid build-up of significant populations of the tapeworm.

The study is: "Pathological changes caused by Anoplocephala perfoliata in the equine ileocecal junction," published in the journal Veterinary Research Communications in May 2010, by Pavone S, Veronesi F, Piergili Fioretti D, Mandara MT., Universita degli Studi di Perugia.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by vickie lawson on May 25, 2010 at 5:18am

over 10 years ago here in new zealand we had a pony we owned for only 6 months whom we humanely put down due to colic. on autopsy, the vet, nicole larkin said exactly what has been published. with the addition, that the obstruction was due to earlier destruction due to severe infestation when a young horse. very interesting

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