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| Be Lungworm Aware |
Lungworm infection in dogs, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus
vasorum, is spreading. A recent nationwide survey of UK vets 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 disease.
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Lungworm
(spread by slugs and snails) is now a nationwide threat
to dogs.
www.lungworm.co.uk |
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,
it is often 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.”
Lungworm Background - Killer disease of dogs
The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum is a potentially lethal parasite
that can infect dogs, and is spreading across the UK.
Sometimes referred to as the French Heartworm, left untreated this
parasite represents a very serious risk to a dog’s health
and can kill. On a positive note, increased awareness amongst vets
of the condition and the availability of an effective spot-on flea
and worm product means that vets are well placed to manage the disease.
Dogs
catch lungworm through eating slugs and snails which carry
the larvae of the parasite. While most dogs do not habitually
eat slugs and snails, they may do so by accident e.g. when
a slug or snail is sitting on a bone or a favourite toy, or
when drinking from a puddle or outdoor water bowl.
Some dogs take great pleasure in eating these miniature ‘treats’,
and should be considered at risk from infection.
Foxes can also become infected, and the increase in urban
fox populations might be a reason for the spread of the parasite
across the country. |
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In addition, global warming has been suggested as a factor for the
movement of the lungworm to the north of the UK, with warmer weather
allowing the parasite to survive in areas seemingly too cold in
the past.
There are many signs to be aware of, although an infected dog may
appear totally healthy. Coughing, reluctance to exercise, depression,
weight loss, fits, vomiting, diarrhoea and persistent bleeding from
even minor cuts are all possible signs. Dogs under the age of two
appear to be more susceptible than older dogs, though dogs of all
ages and breeds can be affected. The wide range of signs can easily
be confused with other illnesses so contacting your veterinary practice
is important. Early diagnosis by a vet, followed by appropriate
treatment, will usually lead to a full recovery.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten a slug or a snail or is exhibiting
any of the signs of lungworm, it is important that you make an appointment
at your vet for a check-up. Your vet can perform a relatively simple
test that can help determine whether your dog is infected.
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
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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 |
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Detailed information on the disease and advice on what to do if
you suspect your dog is infected with this parasite can be found
online at www.lungworm.co.uk. |
| ©
D for Dog www.dfordog.co.uk |
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