Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/9/2006

Question
My cat has tapeworms.  She has had them before so I know that the small light brown rice hulls signify she has them again. She had an injection for tapeworms in November 2005 and she limped (severely for two weeks) for a month.  Is there an alternative medicine to an injection?  Thank you.

Answer
Tapeworms are transmitted by fleas, so flea control is the best way to prevent tapeworms. Are you using Frontline or Advantage on her skin?  Ask your vet to give the tapeworm shot under the skin rather than in the muscle.  The injectible praziquantel is the most effective tapeworm treatment we have.