Community

Puppy’s lucky escape from deadly parasite

Published

8 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

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

12 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

23 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”