Which medication is typically given for the treatment of tapeworms in dogs?

Which medication is typically given for the treatment of tapeworms in dogs?

• A. Pyrantel pamoate
• B. Praziquantel
• C. Fenbendazole
• D. Ivermectin

Answer: (B)

Praziquantel is the medication specifically indicated for the treatment of tapeworms in dogs. It works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the tapeworms, effectively allowing the dog's immune system to eliminate them. Praziquantel is particularly effective against common tapeworm species such as Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species. In contrast, other medications listed serve different purposes. For instance, pyrantel pamoate is primarily used to treat roundworms and hookworms but is not effective against tapeworms. Fenbendazole is another broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against various intestinal parasites, including some species of roundworms, hookworms, and even Giardia cysts, but it does not target tapeworms effectively. Ivermectin, while a useful medication for various parasites, including certain ectoparasites and some internal parasites (like heartworm), is not used for treating tapeworms in dogs either. Thus, praziquantel is the drug of choice for tapeworm infections due to its targeted mechanism of action and effectiveness against the specific types of tapeworms commonly found in dogs.

Praziquantel is the medication specifically indicated for the treatment of tapeworms in dogs. It works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the tapeworms, effectively allowing the dog's immune system to eliminate them. Praziquantel is particularly effective against common tapeworm species such as Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species.

In contrast, other medications listed serve different purposes. For instance, pyrantel pamoate is primarily used to treat roundworms and hookworms but is not effective against tapeworms. Fenbendazole is another broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against various intestinal parasites, including some species of roundworms, hookworms, and even Giardia cysts, but it does not target tapeworms effectively. Ivermectin, while a useful medication for various parasites, including certain ectoparasites and some internal parasites (like heartworm), is not used for treating tapeworms in dogs either.

Thus, praziquantel is the drug of choice for tapeworm infections due to its targeted mechanism of action and effectiveness against the specific types of tapeworms commonly found in dogs.