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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Tapeworms or cestodes belong to the group of parasites called flat worms or platyhelminths. ''Anoplocephala perfoliata, A. magna ''and ''Paranocephala mammilana'' are common species. Recent studies have shown that ''A. perfoliata'' is the most common equine tapeworm.
Tapeworms or cestodes belong to the group of parasites called flat worms or platyhelminths. ''Anoplocephala perfoliata'', ''A. magna'' and ''A. mammilana'' are the common species affecting equidae. These flatworms are typically about 1.5cm wide and range in size from 8-25cm long with ''A. magna'' being the largest and ''A. mammilana'' the smallest. Recent studies have shown that ''A. perfoliata'' is the most common equine tapeworm.
The tapeworm is composed of a scolex (head) and a flattened strobila (body). The scolex has four suckers which form an attachment to the intestinal wall of the host. Tapeworms have no mouth parts or unified digestive tract and instead absorb nutrients through the proglottid (body segment) walls.
''A. perforliata’s'' site of predilection is usually the ileo-caecal junction whereas ''A. magna'' and ''A. mammilana'' favour attachment in the small intestine, and in the case of ''A. mammilana'' occasionally the stomach. This parasite is prevalent worldwide and can be found in any demographic group. It was once thought to be of low clinical significance but it is now understood that an infection can be implicated in the development severe gastrointestinal disruptions including intussusception.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==