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.

Lungworm is spreading very quickly throughout the south east and vets are seeing more and more cases of it.  Regular worming treatments do not protect against lungworm – even if your dog is being wormed monthly so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment from your vet if you are concerned.  It is easily treatable and most dogs do make a full recovery once they have been diagnosed and treated but the key is to catch it early.  Lungworm can be prevented by monthly treatments of Advocate – a prescription only spot on treatment that also treats fleas.

How is Lungworm spread?

Lungworm is spread by slugs and snails and infection spreads to dogs when they accidentally or purposefully eat them.  Juvenile slugs and snails are often so small that dogs may accidentally ingest them while eating grass, drinking from outside puddles or toys that have been left out overnight.   Foxes can also spread lungworm so be aware in areas that have a high fox population.  Eggs are left behind in the faeces of infected animals so care should be taken if you have a dog that likes to eat poo!

There is currently debate about whether or not lungworm eggs can be left behind in snail and slug trails and infection can occur that way but as of yet there is no consensus.

Symptoms of Lungworm

Whilst lungworm can be contracted by any dog; those most at risk appear to be younger dogs and those that scavenge (especially those who eat slugs and snails).

Unfortunately symptoms of lungworm can easily be confused with other illnesses but if your dog displays any of the signs below please consult a vet immediately:

* Breathing problems – coughing and tiring easily
* Poor blood clotting – excessive bleeding from even minor cuts and wounds, anaemia (evidenced by paleness around the eyes and of the gums), nose bleeds and bleeding into the eyes.
* General sickness – weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and poor appetite
* Changes in behaviour – depression and seizures