The Dangers Of Lungworm

Angiostrongylus vasorum  - lungworm - and your pet dog.

Most dog owners are unaware of just how common and easily contracted lungworm, like many other diseases, is. Because untreated infection can lead to death, the importance of maintaining your pet insurance policy is evident.

The danger to dogs that can result from lungworm infection has recently been brought to the public’s attention by many experts including the celebrity vet Joe Inglis. An understanding of how the disease is acquired can lead to knowing how to prevent it.

Molluscs such as slugs and snails often harbour a parasite called A. vasorum so that their ingestion can lead to the contraction of lungworm. It is this organism which causes the problem, although it does not affect humans.

A dog can easily unknowingly eat one of these unsavoury molluscs whilst chewing a toy or scavenging.

What happens when a pooch gets this far? The main problem, according to Bayer Animal Health who are trying to raise public awareness, is that once an infected mollusc has been ingested a cycle of infection is started which is very difficult to break. The reason for this is that their excrement contains the parasite which is thereby passed on to other dogs.

The research showed that in spite of over 60% of UK dog owners knowing that lungworm could be fatal, only about half knew how the infection was acquired.

Disturbingly, said Dr Inglis, nearly half had never heard of the disease at all.

The adult parasites take up residence in the cardiovascular system, living in the heart and infecting the blood vessels and pathways which lead to the lungs. Respiratory distress, shown by chronic coughing and lack of energy, can result from this.

Some of the other symptoms can be an inability for the blood to clot and a general malaise and depression.

It is important to realise that lungworm is an easily treatable disease, Dr Inglis said, as long as pet health care is sought as soon as these signs become apparent. If, however, you do not obtain treatment right away, your pet’s health can rapidly decline to a fatal conclusion.

The assumption that a three-month worming would eliminate all parasites, including A. vasorum, might easily be made by some pet owners.Sadly this is not true. Total elimination of the lungworm requires a separate course of treatment even though, according to the Bayer Animal Health initiative, prevention is possible by the monthly application of a topical solution.

By clearing up any dog mess, no matter whose dog was responsible, you can effectively reduce the chances of your pet becoming infected.

Dr Inglis also suggested that animal lovers make a concerted effort to ensure their pet’s toys and bowls are all brought back inside after a play session, to limit the risk of a mollusc climbing in or on to the object.

Lungworm could be eliminated by education; a good idea would be to make a list of symptoms and put it in a conspicuous place in your home.

If your pet dog starts showing worrying signs, this list will allow you to see in an instant whether or not it could be the result of infection by lungworm.