Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/11/2009

Question
Hi, I bought roundworm wormer before I went on the internet and to do a lil
research. I realized that my cats have tape worm instead! So my 1st question is
would round worm wormer treat tapeworm wormer also? My 2nd question is
how can I get my cat to take it? I tried giving one cat meds before my mixing it
in his food and he wouldn't eat it. Any suggestions??

Answer
No.  The roundworm dewormer will not kill tapeworms.  It is very difficult to kill tapeworms in cats.  THey embed in the lining of the intestine and although some of the oral tapeworm medicines work temporarily, the worm does not die entirely and the segments in the stool return quickly.  The best way to treat tapeworms inth cat is to use an injection of praziquantel that kills the entire tapeworm.  Ask your vet for a shot of Droncit.