Lungworm in Dogs
Lungworm is a type of roundworm that affects dogs, but not cats. Its proper name is Angiostrongylus vasorum. Unlike other roundworms, lungworm does not live in the intestines. Lungworms live in the heart and surrounding blood vessels, and can cause serious illness and even death.
Lungworm is considered to be an emerging disease in the UK, meaning it is becoming increasingly common. There are more cases in certain areas of the country, such as the South coast and Greater London area, but it is widely accepted that lungworm infection can now occur anywhere.
All dogs can become infected with lungworm, but it is seen more often in young dogs and puppies. Lungworm infections are not passed directly between animals. Instead the eggs must pass through an intermediate host (another animal that can pass the tapeworm without being ill). For lungworm, the intermediate hosts are slugs and snails.
Although most dogs won’t choose to eat slugs and snails, they can swallow them accidentally when they forage through undergrowth, eat grass or drink from puddles. Dogs can also be infected by slime trails on outdoor food, water bowls or even toys.
Lungworm infection can cause very vague symptoms that often look like other conditions. For this reason it can be tricky to diagnose. Some animals will be unwell for months or even years as symptoms become chronic. Symptoms can include:
- Coughing
- Breathing difficulties
- Weight loss
- Poor blood clotting (sometimes seen as bleeding)
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Poor appetite
- Seizures
- Stomach or back pain
Diagnosis can be challenging and often requires several different tests, including testing for worm eggs in stool samples and taking blood tests. In some cases, we never manage to prove the presence of lungworm. The good news is that lungworm infection can usually be treated, especially if caught early.
