Your Dog — November 2017

A

lthough Angiostrongylus

vasorum, also known

as lungworm, or

French heartworm, was fi rst

recognised in France in the

19th century, it has only

recently spread throughout

the UK. Many vets won’t have

come across the condition at

university, but in the last 10 to

15 years, since the Pet Travel

Scheme has allowed dogs

to travel throughout Europe,

and the change in certain

elements of our local climate,

it has become widespread in

the UK.

Today, lungworm is found

in many species of slugs and

snails (molluscs). It has also

been identifi ed in the wild

Vet Roberta Baxter explains how lungworm

is affecting more dogs across the UK.

in the grass

Lurking

Roberta Baxter MA,

Vet MB, MRCVS

qualifi ed from

Cambridge University

Veterinary School in

1993. She works for
      Aquarius Veterinary
      Centre in Mildenhall,
      Suffolk, and also has
      a pain referral clinic
      for animals: http://www.
      paintherapy4animals.
      co.uk

ABOUT ROBERTA

http://www.yourdog.co.uk

fox population, with 23 per

cent of wild foxes in south-east

England affected, according to

a recent survey. The incidence

of lungworm in dogs appears

to be highest where the

incidence in foxes is highest,

and it seems that the disease

can be harboured in the fox

population. Although the

disease can be transmitted

to many species, there is

no evidence of humans

being affected.

WHAT IS IT?

Slugs and snails act as

a source of infection for dogs

and foxes when they eat the

molluscs, or possibly eat or

drink material which has

been contaminated by

the slime from affected

molluscs. Puppies are

most commonly

affected, as they

are more likely to pursue, play

with, or eat molluscs.

The Angiostrongylus larvae

from the molluscs are able to

develop in the dog, where

they pass into the blood

vessels of the lungs and the

heart, and through other

organs. Adult worms take

around one to three months

to develop, and then produce

infective larvae which are

passed in the dog’s faeces.

These then infect molluscs

and continue

the two-stage life cycle.

If untreated, the adult

worms can live and continue

producing eggs for up to

fi ve years, if the dog survives

that long.

In the affected dog, these

worms most commonly

cause coughing, panting,

and breathlessness. They can

also cause clotting diseases,

bruising, blood loss, anaemia,

and heart failure. Blood may

be lost in coughing or passed

in faeces. Occasionally,

neurological signs are seen,

due to the migration of larvae

through nerve tissues. Sudden

death may occur even without

other symptoms.

entifiedinthewild drinki material which has

been contaminated by

thhe slime fromaffected

molluscs. Puppies are

most commonly

affected, as they

nfect molluscs

e

death may occureven

other symptoms.

Lungworm is found in many

species of slug and snail.

Foxes are

also at risk.

Try to stop your dog from

eating any molluscs he

may sniff out.

68 Your Dog November 2017

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