Lungworm
The following information is provided by kind permission of Bayer Animal Health
Slugs and snails and puppy dogs’ tails!
Lungworm infection in dogs, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, is spreading. A recent nationwide survey of UK vets1 has revealed that over 25 per cent of those questioned had either confirmed or suspected a case of this potentially fatal condition, yet as few as six per cent of dog owners had even heard of the disease2.
Dogs become infected with the lungworm through eating slugs and snails which carry the larvae of the parasite. Infections were most common in parts of Ireland, Wales and southern England. However, recent outbreaks as far north as Scotland mean the parasite is now a nationwide threat.
With this in mind, Bayer Animal Health has launched a ‘Be Lungworm Aware’ campaign to help raise the profile of this parasite amongst dog owners. The initiative aims to make a wide range of advice available, including signs of infection and how to obtain treatment, and to promote the benefits of a parasite control programme that takes into account the risk of dogs becoming infected.
Lungworm is a particularly dangerous condition as if left untreated and can be fatal. Signs to look out for include coughing, reluctance to exercise, depression, weight loss, fits, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, paralysis and persistent bleeding from even small cuts. Dogs known to eat slugs and snails should also be considered candidates for a check up with a vet, even if they are showing no outward signs of infection.
“The condition has become a nationwide threat to the canine population, however awareness of this particular lungworm is low,” commented Bayer Animal Health. “The ‘Be Lungworm Aware’ campaign aims to educate owners on the risks associated with infection and encourage them to visit their vet for further information and to discuss their dogs’ parasite protection plan.”
For further information please log on to www.lungworm.co.uk, which features an interesting video of the lifecycle of the parasite, or contact your local veterinary practice.
1Insight Track, 2008 2Insight Track, 2009
Hints and tips to help prevent lungworm adversely affecting your dog
Lungworm is now being reported by vets across many parts of the UK, including Scotland. However, there's no reason why this potentially fatal disease should present your dog with any particular problems.
A little extra vigilance and a few simple precautions could avoid any suffering should your dog come into contact with this particularly nasty parasite.
Be vigilant
- Watch to see if your dog likes eating slugs and/or snails, particularly in spring and autumn when these molluscs are more prevalent
- Know your dog – signs of the disease are varied and can easily be confused with other ailments, so keep an eye out for anything unexpected
Signs of the disease include:
- Reluctance to exercise
- Coughing
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Fits
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Paralysis/inability to walk
- Excessive bleeding from even minor wounds - Contact your vet if you have any concerns, your dog habitually eats slugs or snails, or if see any of the signs described above
Where possible, take precautions
- Avoid the use of outdoor drinking water and food bowls which often attract slugs or snails – there is evidence that slime trails can infect a dog if they are eaten
- Don't leave your dog's toys, chews or bones in the garden as they can attract snails
- Ask your vet for a parasite control programme that takes into account the risk of dogs becoming infected