Episode Details

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 Cats
• Hidden Infections, Better Detection: Unlocking the Power of Coproantigen Testing in Screening Populations
• Focus on Fecal Testing

Replay 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 t