O/T: opinions on handling tapeworms

[doombuggy]

OK, so I took a poop sample into the vet on Saturday for Thomas (new guy). they called yesterday to tell me he has tape worms (or a tape worm, who knows). So he definitely has to keep his appointment on Saturday to get some meds to get rid of it. (I tried to take him about 1 1/2 weeks ago, but couldn't get him into the carrier, which now sits in his room). At night when I am awake his door is open and he is allowed out, but he doesn't come out too much. Sunday night he did come into my room and lay on the bed with me (he laid on me for awhile). Last night he and Dallas were on the bed in the guest room where he stays. I have been keeping Dallas out of Thomas' box, but I haven't watched him every second that the door is open. I was going to ask the vet to give me something to give to Dallas, just in case?

when we come home from the vet, should I be washing out the box that Thomas has been using and put in new litter? I have to wash the mats in the other room where the oval box is, as Dallas didn't squat enough yesterday and pee went thru the seam between the cover and the bottom of the box (he does have this problem sometimes). ;-)

Your comments on the tapeworm would be appreciated.

 

[BJM]

Go to our shopping partner Amazon and look up tapeworm tabs. There is an over the counter praziquantal for tapes available.
Be diligent about cleaning all the boxes. After the meds, there will be a deposit or two full of worms. You may have to repeat treatment in a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of infestion.

Be on flea patrol, too. They carry tapes and all it takes is eating an infected flea during grooming to re-establish the parasite. That's why cats that go outdoors often need flea meds monthly. And the eggs can be dormant in your home for months before hatching. (Vibration can trigger hatching, so diligent vacuuming can help clear them out).

Some flea products are becoming less effective in some areas. In my section of Columbus, Ohio, Frontline products are not working well. My local humane society gives Capstar to knock out the adult fleas quickly, plus Frontline to slow/stop any larvae from turing into fleas. Advantage II seems to work OK, but may need appliation @ 3 weeks, not 4. A plus to both of these is that by using a small oral syringe, you can measure out the cat dose from a large dog applicator and save some money if you're willing to deal with the hassle (both are in somewhat oily bases and you'll likely need to wash your hands often!)