Lungworm alert now in the Midlands
Posted: Tuesday 17th March, 2009Ashwood Veterinary Clinic
LUNGWORM – Is your dog @ Risk?
Lungworm (Angiostrongylosis) used to be seen mainly in small areas of the south of England, but over recent years cases have increased and many have now been confirmed throughout Wales, the Midlands and even in North West England.
Lungworm is on the rise in the UK!
How can my dog catch Lungworm?
Dogs contract lungworm from eating slugs and snails, or potentially from consuming larvae in their mucus trails. All dogs that eat, drink or play with toys outside, or groom their paws after going walks, are potentially at risk.
How can I tell if my dog has Lungworm?
The answer is that you can’t – some infected dogs show no signs at all, so it is a hidden risk.
However, lungworm can cause a potentially fatal disease. Typical signs include coughing, breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance. Other signs may include, fainting, focal pain, brain/spinal symptoms, inflammation of the eyes, and bleeding disorders.
CASE HISTORY
Harley is an active four year old Dalmatian living in the North Birmingham area. He cut his pad on a walk. It was only a small cut, but it refused to fully heal, and investigations showed no apparent reason.
After a couple of weeks there was suddenly profuse bleeding from the wound and blood tests showed that Harley had a severe blood clotting disorder.
He rapidly deteriorated and was rushed, on a drip, to Liverpool University where he received intensive care for several days, including blood transfusion.
Extensive tests revealed that Lungworm had been the underlying cause of Harley’s problems.
Happy ending!
Harley has now made a full recovery and is enjoying his walks again. However, he was lucky to survive. His owner has shared his story with you in the hope that we can prevent further pets from suffering this disease.
‘Harley’
What can I do to prevent my dog getting Lungworm?
Lungworm is not prevented by routine worming tablets. However, it can be prevented with a monthly spot on treatment which will also treat your dog against fleas, mites, roundworm and biting lice.
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