What causes Lungworm?
This is caused by a tiny parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum. It cannot be seen with the naked eye.
How are Dogs Infected?
This parasite infects dogs when they eat infected slugs, snails or frogs. Some dogs will eat these creatures on purpose. However, most are incidentally infected while eating grass. Most, but by no means all the dogs seen with this condition, are young due to their inquisitive nature.
When a dog is infected, the adult worms live and reproduce in the heart and blood vessels of the lung. They lay eggs which hatch to larvae, which are then coughed up and swallowed. They pass through the dog’s digestive tract and out in its faeces. Slugs and snails are infected by eating the larvae which have contaminated the environment. These creatures are then consumed by a dog (or a fox) and the cycle begins again.
What are the Clinical Signs of Lungworm in my Dog?
Some dogs develop signs of coughing, reduced exercise tolerance or breathlessness. These signs are associated with the presence of the worms in the heart and large blood vessels and the damage done to the lungs as the larvae work their way out.
Some dogs, however, develop worse symptoms. The presence of lungworm can lead to poor blood clotting, which means these unfortunate dogs can present with bleeding problems. Neurological (nervous) signs such as seizures (fits) and back pain can also be seen. If left untreated, these problems can be life threatening.
How is Lungworm Diagnosed?
This is not always very easy or straightforward. The larvae can be difficult to find in the faeces and also in the samples that can be taken from the dog’s lungs (in a technique known as broncho-alveolar lavage)
X-rays, endoscopy and blood tests may also be used to help diagnose this condition.
Occasionally vets may ‘test treat’ for lungworm when it is suspected, due to the difficulties or limitations in testing for it.
Treatment for Lungworm
Treatments are now available in the form of specific anti-parasitic treatments. Unfortunately, some dogs may still die despite diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prevention
There are treatments available which, when used monthly, prevent lungworm in dogs. It is important to know that not all anti-parasitic treatments will prevent lungworm. At Etwall vets we regularly use a product called Nexgard Spectra which is effective at preventing this nasty disease. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS THE PRIMARY ANTI-PARASITIC TREATMENT SELECTED FOR OUR PET CLUB DOG MEMBERS. This is in contrast to many of our neighbouring practices and pet supermarkets who may have chosen cheaper products that do not cover lungworm.
Other tips to reduce risk are to clean toys and bowls daily which have been left outside, and ideally not leave food or water bowls outside at all.
Please note that you are unlikely to significantly reduce the slug and snail population in your garden by using slug bait. Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are extremely toxic to dogs (and children) and should be used with extreme care.