The Link Autumn 2019 The Link Oct-Nov 2019 v2 | Page 15

This month, vet Ian Mathers highlights the dangers of lungworm in dogs L ungworm is a potentially fatal disease of dogs, caused by a parasitic worm called Angiostongylus vasorum. Foxes are also susceptible to lungworm, and likely play a significant role in the spread of this disease. Many cases of lungworm have been diagnosed in the Caterham area. Dogs become infected with lung- worm via slugs and snails. Infected slugs and snails contain lungworm larvae which the dog ingests. This can happen by ingesting whole slugs and snails, but also from slime trails, which can contaminate water bowls and toys. Your dog can also become infected if it eats grass or drinks from puddles. Lungworm Alert • Coughing (especially coughing blood) • Breathing problems • Weight loss and reduced appetite • Blood clotting problems Infection with lungworm is usually serious and can be life threatening; if you are concerned you should seek prompt veterinary advice. The disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test; sometimes faecal analysis, xrays and ultrasound can aid with diagnosis. Lungworm is treatable, but if there is a large parasitic load, treatment carries significant risk. The good news is that lungworm is easily prevented, usually with a monthly medication containing milbemycin or moxidectin. The medication will need to be prescribed by your vet, usually as part of a complete preventative healthcare protocol. Ask your vet about monthly lungworm protection, and that will be one less thing for you to worry about. The ingested larvae then migrate through the dogs body, to the heart and some major blood vessels; this takes about four weeks. The adult worms then produce larvae which are coughed up by the dog, swallowed and excreted in the dog’s faeces. The larva will then infect slugs and snails, and so the life cycle continues. Lungworm symptoms are often non-specific and can be confused with many other diseases. Symptoms can include: • Lethargy and weakness The Link 17 Essendene Road | Caterham | CR3 5PB 01883 341306 email: [email protected] 15