# Tapeworms, and how fun they are. Henson, my little heartworm patient, most definitely has a tapeworm. We're bringing in a nice, fresh, warm load for the vet to confirm tonight, but I know its a tapeworm. I can see its little egg sacs. And it is freaking gross. The grossest part is that we'll have to wait until mid-to-late April to… ## Thread In Health · started by tsukitsune · 34 replies - **Category:** [Health](https://nihonken.org/community/c/health) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T14:52:21.000Z Henson, my little heartworm patient, most definitely has a tapeworm. We're bringing in a nice, fresh, warm load for the vet to confirm tonight, but I know its a tapeworm. I can see its little egg sacs. And it is freaking gross. The grossest part is that we'll have to wait until mid-to-late April to treat it, because of how hard the heartworm treatment is on the dog. So we're just having a parasitic party over at my place. **Note to anyone else considering pulling/fostering/adopting a southern shelter dog - get a fecal and HW check before they leave the shelter** But I am reaching out for info, if anyone has any... I'm reading that in order for a dog to get infected, they have to consume an infected flea. And for humans, the same applies. I always thought raw pork had something to do with tapeworms, but I'm not finding as much evidence as the flea theory on canine health sites/vet forums/etc. All we can do now is immediately pick up and properly dispose of the stool with the egg sacs (and boy are they cute..) and make sure none stuck to his wiry terrier fur afterward. I'm looking into more natural approaches, like wormwood and fasting and Castor oil... but I'm so afraid to harm him during his HW treatment.... Any ideas/tips/etc from anyone? Thanks. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T14:59:52.000Z p.s. has anyone heard of Pumpkin Seeds working?? http://www.tcmtreatment.com/herbs/0-nanguazi.htm ## PLwarped59 · 2009-03-05T15:03:56.000Z Watch for weight loss. If youre not, I would give a vitamin supplement until you can treat the worms. Yes fleas carry tapeworm, it is always recommended that if your dog gets fleas treat for tapeworm. other than medication I dont know of any way to combat a tapeworm :/ sorry ## brandon_w (admin) · 2009-03-05T15:05:17.000Z Poor Henson cannot catch a break. I don't have any advice on tapeworms though. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T15:07:10.000Z About the weight loss - Henson is already about 12-15lbs underweight as it is. I've been cooking for him and adding everything we have (seameal, fish oil, brewers yeast&garlic, welltabs) and mixing in core ocean here and there. I think I'm luxury feeding the worm, now, though. ## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2009-03-05T15:12:43.000Z I don't know about pumpkin seeds as treatment. I have used them as training treats for the girls though. ## sunyata · 2009-03-05T15:42:13.000Z Poor Hensen! Not sure about for dogs, but I have heard of eating large amounts of pineapple can help rid the body of a tapeworm. I have also heard of black walnut extract being used to rid the body of intestinal parasites. However, I am not sure if either of these are options for a pup. ## Darwin67 · 2009-03-05T16:12:14.000Z I'm w/ brandon...poor kid can't catch a break! Wish I could help ya w/ tape worm....all I can offer up is a big ewwwwww! But thank you again for being there for this little guy, he has a real champion in you! ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T16:18:29.000Z thanks! Casey, I'm looking into the black walnut now - thanks! ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T18:26:27.000Z In case anyone is ever wondering... Safe Guard (avail at most pet stores) covers most types of tapeworms except the flea (D-type) tapeworm - which is what Henson officially has. Black walnut seems to be used in combination with alcea extract (?), wormwood and pumpkin seed ground up into power and boiled into a mix that you feed the dog while it fasts. Then you can optionally give Castor Oil to speed up the process of the worm's detachment and passing. I'm not skeptical, but I'm hesitant to try this... I'll be going to the farmer's market on Saturday and hope to find some or all of the extracts and we might try it. ## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2009-03-05T18:59:20.000Z I know I am stating the obvious Jen, but make sure with your vet that there isn't any sort of negative interaction with the other drugs Henson is taking. Just like black cohosh is an herbal remedy for PMS and menopause but will cause miscarriage in expectant moms. Herbs are powerful things. And I know that walnuts are on some poison lists for dogs. ## Darwin67 · 2009-03-05T19:02:32.000Z The same wormwood used in making Absinth? ## JessicaRabbit (admin) · 2009-03-05T19:09:57.000Z Good point! Wormwood will be a hard one to find, as I believe it is still illegal due to it's hallucinogenic properties. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T23:13:06.000Z Ok, did some hard core research, talked with our old holistic vet, got clearance from the medical vet and we're going with this product: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/product\_detail.aspx?item\_guid=6F2A0DD4-F2A7-4A54-A459-A52734735E18&click=124&mf=2 Its wormwood based, we'll have to give quite a bit of it, but it seems safe. I was getting a lot of mixed reviews on the black walnut for canine/feline use, esp. for tapeworm, so we're trying the Paragone. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-05T23:14:01.000Z And thanks Jess :) I'm trying to be aggressive in clearing him of that which plagues him, but I'm also trying to be very cautious of interactions and contradictions. There is so much to learn about canine health.. ## santuzza · 2009-03-05T23:35:02.000Z I wonder if Henson will have psychedelic dreams... Anyway, while I can offer no advice on de-tapeworming, I do sent my best wishes to the little guy and to you and your crew as well. Parasitic, egg-laced poo, what a delight! ## lindsayt · 2009-03-06T10:42:51.000Z I thought prairie sage could also be used for deworming. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-06T10:53:18.000Z The ingredients of Paragone: * Wormwood Herb (Artemisia absinthium), may help to expel round worms, pinworms, tapeworms, and parasites from the intestinal tract * Male Fern Root (Dryopteris filix mas), may help relieve discomfort and control bleeding associated with killing worms, may soothe inflamed areas of the large and small intestine, and may help weaken worms (tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms and liver flukes) to facilitate their elimination * Wormseed Herb, American (Chenopodium anthelminticum), may help kill and expel roundworms, hookworms, small tapeworms, and amoebas * Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis), may aid in digestion and expel worms, and may help soothe the stomach and intestinal tract * Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare), may relax and soothe the smooth lining of the digestive tract, and may help relieve gas that may occur while using this formula * Papaya Leaf (Carica papaya), may help break down proteins and mucous surrounding parasites and help expel them, and may act as a digestive aid You know your stuff, Lindsay! ## lindsayt · 2009-03-06T11:02:16.000Z Looks like a nice product-all in one. Let us know how it all comes out ;) ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-08T13:48:44.000Z well, the vet that is working us through the heartworms strongly suggested we just give him a Drontal, since she would be able to clinically determine interactions/outcomes, especially since he's under heartworm treatment, so we took her advice. And today - well, I think its working. And he had no stomach upset, which I'm surprised about, but happy about. And he gained 2lbs :) From Henson! ## the_november_rain · 2009-03-08T17:18:14.000Z Stay strong little guy. ## KFontaine04 · 2009-03-09T09:55:09.000Z Gosh, he is so adorable. I just love his face! ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-09T10:01:25.000Z I love his face, too :) I think the worms are dead/dying.. I haven't seen a single one since Saturday afternoon! *edit: tape, not heart ## Leonberger (admin) · 2009-03-09T10:03:42.000Z He does have a very cute face, reminds me of Benji with other colouring. I'm glad he's improving! ## brandon_w (admin) · 2009-03-09T10:35:59.000Z He is the cutest. Good to hear that his stomach is doing better. ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-03-09T13:48:46.000Z That's good news! Hopefully that part will be done with soon and then on to the heartworms problem. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-09T15:43:56.000Z Thanks! Yep, we just keep on keeping on with the heartworm treatment. So far, so good actually. His next injection is 3/26. ## lindsayt · 2009-03-10T06:32:46.000Z Good news, hope he feels ok. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-11T12:46:35.000Z No more signs of worm egg things at all. He handled the Drontal really well, and it was effective. Initially, I was afraid to use it because my mom's dog (a 5lbs rat terrier) had an awfully hard time on drontal. But, all went well. And - someone has submitted an application on Henson, home check in progress! ## KFontaine04 · 2009-03-11T12:53:01.000Z YAY HENSON! As always, great work Jen! --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)