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Lungworm - the dangers

Lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite carried by slugs and snails 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 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. Research in other parts of the world has demonstrated that, under certain conditions, lungworm larvae infective to dogs, can be released in slime from aquatic snails.

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.

    • To find out more about Lungworm speak to you vet.

    December 16th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | 81 comments

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