News

Lungworm is a life threatening disease which appears to be on the increase. The disease, known as angiostrongylosis, was originally only found in South Wales and the South West of England but recently cases have been diagnosed in Scotland.

It is spread by slugs and snails. Foxes can also become infected and they can play a role in the spread of infection. For dogs to become infected they have to eat infective larvae. These may be present in slugs, snails, and sometimes in frogs too. A dog has to eat infected slugs, snails or frogs to become infected with lungworm.

The dog may not eat slugs or snails on purpose but by accident-when one falls into a water bowl or is attached to a toy. It has also been demonstrated that the slime from snails may sometimes contain infective larvae. To help prevent this it is recommended that all outdoor toys and food/water bowls should be kept clear of slugs and snails.

Adult lungworms are found in the heart and blood vessels leading to the lungs. These worms lay eggs which hatch into larvae and pass into the airways of the lungs. These larvae are then coughed up and swallowed, passing to the outside in the dog's faeces. Slugs and snails then swallow the larvae and the cycle continues.

The symptoms of lungworm can be quite varied and can mimic other illnesses. The main ones are breathing problems or coughing and tiring more easily, poor blood clotting leading to bleeding from minor wounds and anaemia, and weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Younger dogs are more susceptible to a lungworm infection although any age can be affected.

The good news is that lungworm can be treated and more importantly be prevented by a monthly spot-on treatment which will also treat your dog against fleas and roundworms.

If you are worried about this condition please phone the surgery to ask for advice.