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