Parasites and worms are very common in companion animals (including exotic animal species), livestock and working animals. Thus, they are among the most common issues that are routinely addressed in veterinary practices. Worms typically affect breeds and pets that have access to the outdoors, but some species may also harbor worms, encysted worm eggs or worm larvae when they are acquired. Some exotic species (e.g., reptiles, ferrets, birds) may also be more likely to be acquired with worms or worm eggs; appearing healthy upon acquisition, they may later present with the symptoms of a worm infestation.^1,2

Worms can cause minor ailments such as stomach upset in minor cases, all the way up to death in extreme cases. Worm infestations are regularly reported in horses, cattle and a wide variety of exotic companion animals. In less-developed nations, parasitic worms infect millions of people and animals, and influence how the immune system responds to diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.¹

If an animal is experiencing rapid and random weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, scratching of the perianal area, unexplained vomiting, severe bad breath or severe coughing, then veterinary intervention should be considered, as it is a very real possibility that the animal is experiencing some sort of parasitic infestation.

Fenbendazole Oral Powder for the Treatment of Worms

Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum methylcarbamate benzimidazole anthelmintic that is used for the treatment of nematode and protozoal parasites in many species. 

• In dogs, fenbendazole is labeled for removal of roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and tapeworms (Taenia pisiformis).
• In horses, fenbendazole is labeled for the removal of large strongyles (Strongylus edentatus, S equinus, S vulgaris, Triodontophorus spp), small strongyles (Cyathostomum spp, Cylicocyclus spp, Cylicostephanus spp, Cylicodontophorus spp), ascarids (Parascaris equorum) and pinworms (Oxyuris equi). Benzimidazole resistance has been noted in Cyathostomum spp found in the United States. 
• In cattle, fenbendazole is labeled for removal of Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus helvetianus, Cooperia spp, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Dictyocaulus viviparus.
• In nonlactating goats, fenbendazole is labeled for removal of adult stomach worms (H contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta).
• In swine, fenbendazole is labeled for removal of large roundworms (Ascaris suum), lungworms (Metastrongylus apri, Metastrongylus pudendotectus), nodular worms (Oesophagostomum dentatum, Oesophagostomum quadrispinulatum), small stomach worms (Hyostrongylus rubidus), whipworms (Trichuris suis) and kidney worms (Stephanurus dentatus; both mature and immature).
• Fenbendazole is approved for the control of ascarids in big cats (e.g., lions, leopards, tigers) and in bears. In some of these species, it is also labeled for control of hookworms and/or tapeworms.
• Fenbendazole has also been used extra-label in domestic cats, sheep, camelids, small mammals, pet birds, and reptiles. It may be approved in countries outside the United States for these species.⁴

Fenbendazole’s mechanism of action is believed to involve the disruption of intracellular microtubular transport systems by binding selectively and damaging tubulin, which prevents tubulin polymerization and inhibits microtubule formation. Fenbendazole has activity against adult life cycle stages of susceptible parasites and may have larvicidal and ovicidal activity against certain parasites.^5-6

Where to buy Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole is available in the U.S. through veterinary pharmacies and veterinary custom compounding companies. FENBENDAZOLE 1.5 GM/SCOOP, ORAL POWDER, 30 SCOOPS (15CC SCOOP) by NexGen Pharmaceuticals is an excellent solution for the treatment of a wide range of parasites in dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, horses, cattle and a variety of exotic species.

This product carries numerous potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹nsf.gov.

²Merck Veterinary Manual.

³extension.okstate.edu.

⁴Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs.

⁵Daniels SP, Proudman CJ. Ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole after treatment of horses naturally infected with cyathostomins. Vet Parasitol. 2016;227:151-156.

⁶Pittman JS, Myers GH, Stalder KJ, Karriker LA. Effect of fenbendazole on shedding and embryonation of Ascaris suum eggs from naturally infected sows. J Swine Health Production. 2015;23(5):252-263.