A feline tapeworm can be difficult to diagnose and treat. However, Praziquantel has been proven to effectively treat tapeworm infestation and will restore your cat to good health.
What Is A Tapeworm?
A tapeworm is a parasite that can live in the intestine of your cat. Tapeworm infections are common in some parts of the world but it can be difficult to recognize if your cat has a tapeworm infection.
Most cats catch tapeworms from fleas. The tapeworm larvae can live inside the flea. If the flea lands on the cat and the cat ingests it while grooming, the cat will then become infected with the tapeworm larvae. They will live in the cat's gut and use it as a host.
If a female mother cat has a tapeworm infestation, she can pass on a tapeworm infection to her kittens through her milk.
Tapeworm Symptoms
Some tapeworm infestations may not show any symptoms at all. More serious cases may show the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory problems
- Abdominal pain
- Increased appetite
- Excessive licking of the anal area
A feline tape worm can also be passed to humans. As it can be difficult to spot an infestation, the best measures to protect against the condition are preventative. It's important to use a dewormer on your cat regularly.
Treatment with Praziquantel
Praziquantel is an anti-worm (anthelmintic) medication. It works by preventing newly-hatched worm larvae from growing or multiplying inside your cat's body. It damages the tapeworm's skin, causing it to disintegrate and be passed from the body.
A single treatment is usually enough to rid your cat of a tapeworm infection. A second dosage might be recommended, depending on the severity of the infestation. Another dosage might also be prescribed if your pet is living around other animals that are currently infested with fleas.
Praziquantel can either be injected into your cat or administered orally in tablet form. The method used will depend on the type of infection your cat has, and your vet will be able to advise you which will suit your cat best.
The medication is commonly sold under the brand name Drontal. This can be used on both cats and dogs, and is prescribed by your vet.
Side Effects
Praziquantel is safe to use on animals, but like all medications, there are possible side effects. If the drug is administered by injection, it might sting and cause your cat to scratch at the area afterwards. Occasionally, a cat might seem weaker after a Praziquantel injection.
The tablets can be bitter-tasting to cats. This might cause excessive drooling or nausea.
Although there are side effects associated with the medication, they usually disappear without veterinary treatment. Praziquantel is an effective way of getting rid of worm infestations and will also stop them from spreading to any humans in the household.