Guest happygrey Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Ugh, we are still treating our new grey for roundworms (he's already had two vet prescribed and filled doses of Pyrantel Pamoate) and are now waiting for another week to go by before we bring in another stool sample to see if he's clear of them. However, yesterday and today we noticed some white things that looked like rice or tiny bits of white noodle in his poop and he has what looks like a sesame seed near his anus. I think it's got to be tapeworms. So I called the vet, and told them the situation, but they won't give me tapeworm meds unless I bring in another stool sample and have it tested. At $50 a pop to have them test the stool it's really adding up. I don't want to bring a sample in now and then again in another week. So I did some research and found an OTC med that contains both Pyrantel Pamoate and Praziquantel. It was expensive! (Approx. $80 for 12 tabs) But still cheaper than a stool test/office visit and then meds. I dosed him according to the box (he took 2 tabs) and now I'm dismayed to read all these warnings about not using OTC meds to treat tapeworms. I understood that Praziquantel is the preferred treatment for tapes -- so why would it be any different if I bought them at the vet vs. a pet store (provided the doses are the same)?? Also, does anyone know if the "extra" dose of Pyrantel Pamoate that's in this OTC wormer is harmful for him to take? He just had a dose of Pyrantel Pamoate this past Monday. Also, does anyone know if washing all his bedding and thorough vacuuming will get rid of any possible tapeworm eggs that might now be in the house? I have a young daughter and don't want to take chances with her getting worms. By the way, he's also been dosed with Frontline Plus (right after we got him) so I am hoping that he's had these worms for a while and doesn't have fleas anymore! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Yikes! Sorry to hear about the worms. I use Iverhart MAX for my hearworm preventative. IT contains Praziquantil, so tapeworms aren't a problem. I honestly know nothing about OTC wormers. Praziquantil is a tried and true method for getting rid of tapeworms. $50 FOR A STOOL SAMPLE CHECK is CRAZY!!!!!! Especially, if you've been going there on a regular basis, etc. I'd talk to the vet. I mean, he/she will be making money on the Praziquantil anyway! Might want to switch you heartworm preventative to the Iverhart Max, so you don't have to worry about tapes again. Yes, I'd wash EVERYTHING. Good Luck with this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Yes they work. You can buy generic all-wormer OTC in Australian pharmacies/pet supplies. I've used both Joe's Pet Meds & Vet-N-Pet Direct. Or you can use Safeguard Goat Wormer (get it at Tractor Supply) and Fish Tapes which is Praziquantel (places like Revival carry it). That will get everything. Safeguard is the same as Panacur. Since Pyrantel Pamoate isn't doing the job on the round worms, changing drugs would be a good idea. If you go this route PM me and I'll send you the dose. FYI Pyrantel Pamoate does not require a prescription. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 (edited) It takes a few weeks from when they eat the infected flea to when the tapeworm segments come out in the stool, so if he had fleas before and he's been Frontlined since he should be flea-free. $50 for a stool sample? Whoa, I need to start charging! I wouldn't bother to bring in a sample, just buy some OTC meds. You most likely have the flea tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum, so you need a wormer with Praziquantel in it. Petsmart and Petco both carry tapeworm tablets. $80 for 12 tablets sounds about right, but you shouldn't need 12 tablets. Look online for cheaper prices. You usually only need to dose once and I think you only use like 2 tablets for a Greyhound-sized dog. Pyrantel pamoate is available online, but also at Petco/Petsmart, Walmart, and Stop & Shop (pet aisle). At Walmart a 2-pill box for large dogs costs only $4.97. We have used Virbantel and WormX-plus tablets on foster dogs. It contains both pyrantel pamoate (for roundworms) and praziquantel (for tapeworms). You can get it from 1800petmeds.com or Amazon.com, I think even Petco carries it. and now I'm dismayed to read all these warnings about not using OTC meds to treat tapeworms. I understood that Praziquantel is the preferred treatment for tapes -- so why would it be any different if I bought them at the vet vs. a pet store (provided the doses are the same)?? It's no different. It's the same med. ~Lindsay~ Edited February 26, 2010 by LindsaySF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 WOW! We just had a fecal done on our girl today .... $18. We've used OTC Tapeworm meds, and those bought online. They all worked well for our kitties when needed over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Get your wormer from any of the AU pet sites. It's cheaper and no script needed. I have used PetsMegaStore for years and have always been happy with their service and shipping. Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreysAndMoreGreys Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Also, does anyone know if the "extra" dose of Pyrantel Pamoate that's in this OTC wormer is harmful for him to take? He just had a dose of Pyrantel Pamoate this past Monday. Pyrantel Pamoate aka Strongid is very safe. It's used with very young pups. You would basically have to give him half a bottle of this stuff to cause any problems. OTC wormers are just fine. We use Ivomec, Safe Guard and other OTC wormers in the kennel and no problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyAcresMom Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 My vet has told me to do OTC at times. Hummm.... Quote Sheila and COwww.greyacres.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest happygrey Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Wow, thanks so much for all the input! I really appreciate it. It makes me feel a lot better. I guess one of the things I am now wondering about is if I am being overcharged at my vet. Since so many expressed shock at the price I was charged for a stool sample analysis I checked my receipt. I overstated it by $5 -- it's $45.00 a pop. But that sure seems higher than what other people said that paid! Last question: should we be seeing the tapeworms in his stool after the medicine works? (We did see a bunch of rounds after the treatment for them) If so, how long would that take? Thanks again. The info is much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sirsmom Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 When I suspect worms I try Panacur,(all around wormer but no Praziquantal in it) then if I see segments like you described I go to Petsmart and look for the product that contains Praziquantal (there are two types of tapeworms and one is killed by the Pamoate and the other by Praziquantal) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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