tapeworm in rabbit

Question
I have a 7 year old female rabbit who has been experiencing tapeworm infestation periodically since April last year.My vet recommended panacur 2.5% , 8ml/day for 5 days which seems to get rid of the problem for about 3 weeks and then the segments appear again.My vet has now said she would like to try praziquantel but as it isn't licensed for use in rabbits in the UK she doesn't know what the side effects are if any.My rabbit is in good health and doesn't appear to be at all upset by the presence of this tapeworm but I would like to get rid of it if I can.Are you able to give me any information about the use of this drug in rabbits? I am very nervous about giving this injection to her incase it has a detrimental effect on her.Many thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Jill,

Praziquantel (brand name Droncit in the U.S.) is safe for rabbits, although it is not licensed for use in this species.  As a matter of fact, there are not many--if any--drugs licensed for use in rabbits because it would cost the pharmaceutical companies millions of dollars to have it approved for each species.  So most vets just use the drugs that have been determined "rabbit safe" by plenty of clinical anecdotes as "off label."  

Droncit is actually the preferred drug to use against tapeworms, as Panacur (fenbendazole) is more effective against roundworms.  I think your problem may be solved by the praziquantel, and certainly hope so.

Good luck!

Dana