Using bloodtesting to diagnose tapeworms

[Debbie]

I came across this in my January 2008 issue of "Equus'' magazine. I thought it was so interesting that I'd put it on here. Its verbatim, and is located on page 7, "Equus" 364

A new study from the Netherlands not only confirms the strong link between tapeworms and certain types of colic, but also suggests that blood tests are more accurate than fecal samples in detecting infestations.

Using nearly 300 horses, University of Utrecht researches set out to do two things: connect tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) with colic incidence and determine whether a blood test for antibodies against the parasite can be used to diagnose infestations.

First the researchers compared blood and fecal samples from 139 control horses with no history of colic. Then they conducted postmortem examinations on 32 horses put down for different causes, collecting blood samples as well as examining the contents of the cecum for tapeworms.

The data showed that the horses with colic had significantly higher levels of antibodies against A. perfoliata than did their healthy counterparts. In addition, all seven deceased horses found to be carrying tapeworms had elevated antibody levels, while those without the parasite did not.

Surprisingly, none of the fecal samples in the study revealed any tapeworm eggs. "Fecal sampling is really not sensitive, " says Maarten Boswinkel, DVM. "It is not a convincing diagnostic tool. Serum testing would be a practical and representative tool for an individual horse as well as herd control of tapeworms."

Reference: "Correlation between colic and antibody levels against Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses in the Netherlands," Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde, July 2007

I'm never keen on how science puts forth low numbers for their correlations, but this one I did find interesting in that the bloodwork showed the elevated antibodies, while the fecal exams came back negative. It would seem that routine bloodwork could come back as a better window on the parasite controls than relying solely on fecal exams.

[harveydales]

Thanks for posting this , Debbie. Very interesting. I was aware that the best way to test for tape worm in horses was by blood test but I've never asked my vet to carry one out on my lot. I suspect most people over here only do so for extreme cases and clearly it should be done routinely in situations like mine where I don't worm much but do poo pick twice daily. I suppose the cost and hassle has put me off plus the fact that mine ponies have never shown any signs of colic but after reading this article I think I will push my vet for a blood test. I daren't risk worming Quest because it is likely to trigger Laminitis.

[Debbie]

I don't know of anyone using the bloodtest in the US for a worm indicator. In fact none of my vets have ever recommended using it on any of my animals. Its the same here as in the UK, with everyone relying on deworming programs, and fecal exams.

[Debbie]

I'd like that if you could find some info on the tapeworms and other livestock Evie. But only when you get the chance.

[harveydales]

Thanks Evie, interesting.

[Debbie]

Thank you for finding this Evie. I found this to be particularly interesting:

Tapeworms can also interfere with normal intestinal motility and greatly increase the risk of spasmodic gas colic."

I wonder how many horses I've known in the past that had gas colic in the summer that simply needed an extra deworming?