Tape It or Leave It—Should We Worry About Tapeworms? Or Any Worms for That Matter?

In this episode of Shake Up Your Workup, Dr. Sylvia Conway is joined by parasitology expert Dr. Wade Burton to unpack the realities of tapeworm infections in dogs and cats. They explore why testing matters over routine deworming, the limitations of traditional fecal flotation, and how newer antigen tests are improving detection. The conversation also covers common life cycles, zoonotic risk, treatment considerations, and practical prevention strategies—from flea control to fecal hygiene. Tune in for a grounded, evidence-based look at when worms matter—and when they don’t.About the guest: Dr. K. Wade Burton is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and an IDEXX Medical Affairs Specialist for Infectious Diseases. He has delivered numerous educational presentations at veterinary schools, conferences, and veterinary medical association meetings. Prior to joining IDEXX in 2015, he was an associate in a mixed animal practice, a practice owner, and then was a technical service veterinarian for Merial. Dr. Burton is a member of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists and American Heartworm Society and has worked with industry leaders to educate and inform the veterinary community, including developing research, educational tools, and publications. He currently serves on the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Development Council and is a member of the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team. Keep up with Dr. Burton at linkedin.com/in/wade-burton. To learn more about today’s topic check out these free courses on the IDEXX Learning Center.Targeted Testing for Important Intestinal Parasites of Dogs and CatsHidden Infections, Better Detection: Unlocking the Power of Coproantigen Testing in Screening PopulationsFocus on Fecal TestingReplay season one podcast episodes on the IDEXX Learning Center.About our host: Sylvia Conway BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS Dr. Conway is the host of the Shake Up Your Workup podcast. She joined IDEXX in May 2014 after spending five years as a mixed and small animal veterinarian in the United Kingdom. She currently oversees medical education tracks at tradeshow events and enjoys all aspects of her role. Dr. Conway is passionate about delivering clinically relevant medical education that promotes best practices and adds value to the day-to-day lives of veterinary practitioners. Originally from London, Dr. Conway relocated to Amsterdam, Netherlands, in February 2013. She still lives in Amsterdam with her husband, two young sons, Frankie the cat, and their canine companion, Wappie. Thank you for listening to Shake Up Your Workup. You can contact us at shakeupyourworkup@idexx.com with comments and feedback. Disclaimer: This podcast features hosts and guests who may be employed by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates ("IDEXX"). The content of this podcast is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken to represent official IDEXX policies, guidance, or positions. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers only.This podcast may reference IDEXX products or services as part of the professional discussion. Any such references are for informational purposes only and do not constitute technical instructions or convey any express or implicit performance guarantee or warranty, nor do they constitute to any regulated product claims.Nothing in this podcast should be considered medical or veterinary advice. Diagnostic discussions or recommendations may not be appropriate for all clinical circumstances, and regulatory requirements for diagnostics, treatment, and product use may vary between regions. Listeners should always rely on their own veterinary judgment and consult applicable local laws, regulations, and professional guidelines before making decisions about diagnostics, treatment, or patient care.IDEXX makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or co