Lungworm

What is lungworm?

The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult of this particular lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal.

The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys.

Foxes can also become infected with the lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country.

There are two main problems caused by dogs becoming infected with lungworm:

Infection with lungworm can cause serious health problems in dogs, and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated.
Dogs infected with lungworm spread the parasite into the environment, as the larvae of the parasite are expelled in the dog’s faeces. This increases the chances of other dogs becoming infected.

Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Dogs known to eat slugs and snails should also be considered high risk.

Lungworm infections can result in a number of different signs which may easily be confused with other illnesses. If your dog is displaying any of the signs below, consult your veterinary surgeon immediately.

Breathing problems
Coughing
Tiring easily


Poor blood clotting
Excessive bleeding from even minor wounds/cuts
Nose bleeds
Bleeding into the eye
Anaemia (paleness around the eyes gums)

General sickness
Weight loss
Poor appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

Changes in behaviour
Depression
Tiring easily
Seizures (fits)

Prevention and Treatment:

There are some dogs which don’t initially show outward signs of lungworm infection. Your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite, if you are concerned.

Prevention and Treatment

It is important to recognise that lungworm is not prevented or treated by the conventional use of worming tablets when given every three months, or even every month.

Thankfully, treatment of lungworm infection in dogs is widely available and easy to administer. Once diagnosed and treated, most dogs make a full recovery. The key to successful treatment is taking action early.

If you are concerned your dog has picked up, or is at risk from, picking up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay.

Prevention and Treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum

Your vet can prescribe a specific spot-on solution to treat this parasite, which is applied to the back of the neck.

Applied monthly this product can also prevent the establishment of infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Speak to your veterinary surgeon for further advice.


All of the above information is taken from the Bayer Lungworm site www.lungworm.co.uk and is copyrighted by Bayer.