What is the most complete medical treatment for a cat infected with Dipylidium caninum?

The most complete medical treatment for a cat infected with Dipylidium caninum is the combination of praziquantel and imidacloprid. Praziquantel is a highly effective anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) drug specifically designed to target and eliminate tapeworms, including Dipylidium caninum. This medication works by causing rapid paralysis and subsequent death of the adult tapeworms, which are then expelled from the cat's gastrointestinal tract.

Imidacloprid complements the treatment by addressing the flea vector responsible for the transmission of Dipylidium caninum. Since cats often acquire these tapeworms by ingesting fleas that carry the larvae of the parasite, managing the flea population is crucial for preventing reinfection. Imidacloprid effectively kills adult fleas, thereby breaking the lifecycle of the parasite and ensuring that the cat is not re-exposed to Dipylidium caninum.

This combination not only effectively treats the existing infection but also helps in controlling future risks, making it the most comprehensive approach to treatment.