Shakatan Boxers. Lungworm

Lungworm

The Angiostrongylus Vasorum (lungworm) parasite spends part of its lifecycle in slugs, snails and frogs. Dogs become infected when small slugs or snails are purposefully or accidentally eaten while sniffing through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from an outside water bowl or even puddles.

All breeds of dog, both young and old can become infected although younger dogs appear more prone to picking up the parasite. If your dog enjoys eating slugs and snails then considered him/her as being high risk of picking up the parasite.

Not all dogs show initial signs of lungworm infection. Your vet should be able to perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite.

Symptoms to look for

• Breathing - Coughing and becoming tired easily

• Blood clotting factor - Excessive bleeding

Nose bleeds

Top Blood shot eyes (bleeding into eyes)

Anaemia (eyes and gums pale)

• Sickness - Poor appetite

Weight loss

Diarrhoea

Vomitting

• Behavioural Changes - Depression

Easily tired

Fits (Seizures)

Lungworm is not preventable nor is it treatable by the use of worming tablets given every three months, or even monthly.

Treatment of lungworm infection in dogs is widely available and easy to administer. A spot-on treatment such as Advocate® applied to the back of the neck monthly can prevent the infection

When diagnosed and treated early dogs, usually, make a full recovery.
Success is achieved by taking early action.

If you are concerned that your dog has picked up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay.

Lungworm infection is not thought to be Zoonotic.

Lungworm infection used to be more common in the south of the country but is now spreading across the UK and has been found as far north as Glasgow. The Fox is a natural host and is implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country.

Infestation leads to a disease called Angiostrongylosis which has a wide range of symptoms.

Angiostrongylus Vasorum

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Life Cycle and Development Stages of Angiostrongylus Vasorum

1 Various snails act as an intermediate host. Infective larvae develop here (L3).

2 The fox is a natural host of Angiostrongylus vasorum, but dogs can be infected too.

3 Larvae (L3–L4–L5) migrate via the alimentary tract, abdominal lymph nodes, liver, venous system and right heart into the pulmonary artery.

4 Mature Angiostrongylus vasorum in the pulmo na ry artery (top female, bottom male).

5 Mature worms lay eggs which enter the lung via the bloodstream.

6 Tissue nodules a consisting of cellular infiltrate filled with larvae and eggs develop in the lung. Bronchiole b Arteriole c

7 Larvae (L1) develop inside the eggs in the capillaries d, hatch e and move into the alveolus f. They are transported up the airway to the larynx and then swallowed.

8 Larvae (L1) enter the ground through faeces

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