Lungworm may not be a familiar or pleasant-sounding term but a Bletchley couple know only too well how the parasite causes a life-threatening illness in dogs.
Terri Wyley and husband Sam took their Jack Russell cross Bono for a routine castration but on his return became worried when his wounds would not stop bleeding.
Terri, 59, said: “We rushed him to Walnut Tree veterinary hospital. He needed a transfusion and it didn’t look good.”
After examination vets first suspected a canine form of haemophilia – a disease which causes failure of the animal’s blood clotting ability.
But tests proved the 16-month-old dog did not have the illness, leaving the vets more confounded.
“After a few days of close supervision one vet suggested lungworm – a long shot because they had never seen a case of it in Milton Keynes. But they tested his blood again and found he had it,” said Terri.
“They gave him a topical treatment on his neck and he gradually stopped bleeding. Three more monthly treatments on and he’s back to his normal self.”
The practice – which has branches across Milton Keynes – has not seen lungworm in the city in its 30-year history, but with 10 cases in the past month it could be on the rise.
Although it cannot be transmitted from dog to dog, the worm lives on snails, slugs and even frogs – and curious pets can be prone to licking or eating such creatures.
Veterinary surgeon Philip Kilkenny said the resulting disease – angiostrongylosis – has many and varied symptoms, including coughing, depression, weight loss, weakness and paralysis, or persistent bleeding from minor cuts, while a small number of carrier dogs will not have any symptoms.
“Owners who notice any of these symptoms should contact their local veterinary practice for an immediate consultation,” said Philip. ” The sooner the disease is spotted, the easier it is to treat”.
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