Community

Puppy’s lucky escape from deadly parasite

Published

10 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

Johnston FC pays tribute after sudden death of Rhyan Nolan, 27

Published

9 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community rallies around grieving family as club honours much-loved player at weekend fixture

JOHNSTON FC paid an emotional tribute at the weekend to Rhyan Nolan after his sudden death at the age of 27.

The club marked the occasion with a flawlessly observed minute’s silence before kick-off, as both teams, officials and supporters came together in his memory.

A signed match ball and Rhyan’s much-worn number ten shirt, covered in messages from team-mates and friends, were also prepared to be handed to his family, who were present for the tribute.

The death of Rhyan has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many gathering around his loved ones in the days since the devastating news emerged.

A fundraiser set up on GoFundMe says his family received the heartbreaking news on Monday that they had lost their “precious, loving son and brother” suddenly at such a young age.

The appeal names his close family as Nichola, Shamus, Brandon, Callum and Lilly, and says relatives are hoping to ease the financial burden while giving Rhyan the send-off he deserves.

It states: “Rhyan deserves a celebration of his short life.”

Johnston FC said it had been a difficult week for all those who knew and loved him, but said it had also been heartwarming to see such an outpouring of love at the match.

The club thanked everyone who helped make the tribute possible, along with those who had sent messages of support and donated towards helping the family.

Photographs shared after the game showed the scale of the moment, with both sides lined up in silence and the orange number ten shirt left covered in handwritten tributes.

For many in attendance, it was a powerful and deeply personal farewell to a young man clearly held in enormous affection.

A GoFundMe appeal has now been launched to support the Nolan family.

Community

Flood Alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast as weather conditions worsen

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued a Flood Alert for the Pembrokeshire coastfollowing rising water levels. The alert, which affects areas between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, warns that flooding is possible in the region due to adverse weather conditions and high tides.

The alert was issued at 12:53 PM today (Apr 4), urging local residents to be prepared for potential flooding in the coming hours.

Key Advice for Residents

As the flood risk increases, NRW has shared crucial advice to help people stay safe:

Prepare a flood plan: If you have one, now is the time to follow it.
Protect valuables: Residents should move important items, such as documents and sentimental belongings, to higher ground or safer locations.
Stay alert and pack an emergency kit: Ensure your phone is charged, and pack essential items like medications, chargers, insurance documents, and warm clothing in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure that children, elderly relatives, and pets are safe, with a plan for their evacuation if necessary.

Avoid Floodwater at All Costs

NRW is also stressing the importance of avoiding floodwater, as even shallow levels of water can be extremely dangerous. As little as 30 cm (1 foot) of floodwater can sweep away a car, and 15 cm (6 inches) can knock you off your feet.

Authorities are urging everyone to never walk or drive through flooded areas.

How to Stay Updated

Residents are advised to stay informed through NRW’s website, where they can track water levels and access real-time updates. The agency also recommends checking its social media accounts for the latest information.

For more detailed information or if you need assistance, call Floodline at 0345 988 1188 (quick dial number: 503013).

For More Information:

Flood Warning Details: Flood Warning Page
Check River and Rainfall Levels: River Levels
Floodline: 0345 988 1188

Follow NRW on Twitter: @NatResWales

Image: Herald file photo

Business

Harbwr Brewery plans for Saundersfoot Old Chemist pub

Published

2 days ago

April 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has submitted plans to the national park to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, seeks a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to front façade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.”

It adds: “The applicant has recently purchased the small retail unit on the ground floor. This was a single room, situated in between the two entrances into the Inn and with its own entrance door from the street.

“The current proposals include integrating this unit into the public house bar area and consequently the application includes a change of use from retail to the serving of food and drink.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas.

“The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year; amended plans being later submitted.

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.