Community

Puppy’s lucky escape from deadly parasite

Published

9 years ago

June 13, 2016

Lungworm is a ‘hidden killer’: Liesl contracted the deadly parasite when she was just a puppy

A PUPPY from Pembroke recently had a lucky escape from a deadly and potentially fatal parasite.

Miniature dachshund puppy Liesl was diagnosed with lungworm, or Angiostrongylus Vasorum, which is spread by slugs and snails who carry the lungworm larvae.

Dogs become infected when accidentally, or purposely, eating these garden pests, which can happen when dogs rummage through undergrowth, eat grass, drink from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or when slugs and snails are picked up on pet toys.

There have even been cases reported where dogs have contracted the parasite from just eating the slime of an infected slug.

Dog owners are warned to be extra vigilant due to snails and slugs becoming more prevalent as the weather starts to turn warmer in the summer months.

Once inside the dog’s system, the parasite travels through the body, eventually ending up in the heart. If the infection is left untreated, the dog’s health can rapidly deteriorate, resulting in death.

Symptoms of lungworm can vary, but they often include coughing and other breathing difficulties, bleeding, general sickness and in some cases, sudden death without any visible signs of the infection.

Lungworm treatment can result in a full recovery, but preventative products are available to protect your pet.

Liesl’s owner, Jill Barclay, is calling on other local pet owners to remain vigilant of the signs and symptoms of lungworm and to discuss preventative treatment with their vets if their pets are not currently protected.

Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected, but younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite.

Jill said: “Liesl developed a persistent cough and was gagging frequently so we initially thought that she had swallowed something.

“The coughing continued for a couple of weeks before I took her to the vet. Initially the vet suspected she had sustained some damage to her throat and prescribed an antiinflammatory.

“When she showed no improvement, she was booked in to have a general anaesthetic so that the vet could insert a probe into her airway to see if anything could be seen. “When Liesl was admitted for the scope to look at her throat, the site of her pre-op blood test did not clot and this then alerted the vets as it is a symptom of lungworm.

“They immediately tested her blood for the lungworm and this showed positive, concluding that she had picked up the deadly parasite.

“She was prescribed an intensive course of Panacur for a week, during which time the cough gradually subsided. Her ‘sisters’, Slinky and Belle, were examined too but fortunately they both tested negative for lungworm.

“This was a total surprise as we worm Liesl regularly but have since found out that not all products prevent lungworm.

“I had heard of lungworm but I was certainly not aware of how serious it could be or that it was as common as it is.”

“She is only 18 months old now, so obviously was a very curious little monkey when she was a puppy. I never witnessed her consuming a slug but I knew she had a tendency to pick up strange things in the garden, such as leaves.

“Liesl really did have a lucky escape as the disease was caught early on, but I have heard of other dogs that have died from lungworm.

“What’s even worse is lungworm is easily preventable but most dog owners aren’t aware of that. After my experience I tell everyone about it to avoid anyone else going through the experience we had. Fortunately for us the outcome was positive.”

There are currently 150 registered cases of lungworm in dogs across south Wales with one in five vet practices noting at least one case of the parasite, but it is important to note that many lungworm cases go unreported.

Evidence which has been collected from the Royal Veterinary College has confirmed that the lungworm parasite has now spread across the entirety of the UK from its initial home in Wales and southern England.

Cats can become infected with another type of lungworm. However, infections are much more rare and the outcome tends to be not as severe as in dogs.

Mark Bossley, Chief Vet at the UK’s leading animal charity Blue Cross, said: “We regularly advise dog owners of the dangers of lungworm because, sadly, we see so many cases every year.

“It is a hidden killer so we urge dog owners to talk to their vet about preventative treatments and be vigilant with their dogs when in the garden or on walks.”

In light of recent news surrounding the prevalence of the parasite in the UK, it is important to be aware that lungworm prevention should remain a top priority for Welsh dog owners

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Community

Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK.

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”