Home » Diseases » In dogs » Canine Angiostrongylosis (Parasitic Infections of the Lungs with Angiostrongylus Vasorum)

Canine Angiostrongylosis (Parasitic Infections of the Lungs with Angiostrongylus Vasorum) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Chest

Canine angiostrongylosis is a parasitic infection in dogs caused by the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum, which affects the dog’s heart and lungs and can lead to serious health problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Canine angiostrongylosis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum, which affects dogs and other canids. The parasite has a complex life cycle that includes snails and slugs as intermediate hosts. Dogs become infected by ingesting these intermediate hosts or contaminated materials. After infection, the larvae migrate through the dog’s body to the pulmonary arteries, where they mature into adult worms and lay eggs. These eggs develop into larvae that are excreted via the respiratory tract. Symptoms of infection can include Niesen, Cough, nasal discharge, and in severe cases, neurological problems. Diagnosis is made by fecal examinations and serological tests. Treatment includes antiparasitic drugs such as moxidectin and milbemycin, as well as supportive measures for severe infections. The prognosis depends on the severity of the infection and the speed of treatment. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with snails and regular deworming. Research focuses on improving diagnostic methods, developing treatment options, and preventive strategies such as vaccines. International research supported by modern technologies aims to improve the control of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to increase the chances of full recovery.

Causes

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that infects dogs and other canids as its definitive host. The life cycle of this parasite is complex and involves intermediate hosts such as snails and slugs, which ingest the larvae of the worm. Dogs become infected by ingesting these intermediate hosts or contaminated materials.

After ingestion, the larvae enter the dog’s body via the digestive tract. They migrate through the intestinal wall into the blood vessels and from there to the pulmonary arteries and the right heart. There, they mature into adult worms and begin to lay eggs. These eggs develop into larvae that enter the airways and are eventually excreted via the feces to complete the life cycle.

The distribution of Angiostrongylus vasorum is worldwide, but the prevalence varies depending on the geographical region. Humid climates, where snails thrive, favor the spread of the parasite. The increasing mobility of dogs also contributes to the spread of the infection.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Coma

The symptoms of angiostrongylosis can vary greatly and depend on the severity of the infection and the response of the affected dog. Common symptoms include Cough, Respiratory distress, and general Atemwegsbeschwerden, as the worms affect the lungs and airways.

In addition, infected dogs may show Müdigkeit, Weight loss, loss of appetite, and general weakness. In severe cases, heart problems, blood clotting disorders, and neurological symptoms such as Krampfanfälle can occur.

Another sign of infection may be an increased Tendency to bleed, which can manifest as nosebleeds, bloody Cough, or blood in the urine. These symptoms result from damage to the blood vessels by the parasites.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, anamnesis, and specific diagnostic tests. An important test is the examination of a fecal sample to detect the larvae of the parasites. This test is called the Baermann technique and is a key tool for diagnosis.

In addition, serological tests can be performed to detect antibodies against Angiostrongylus vasorum in the blood. These tests help to confirm an infection, especially when direct detection of the larvae is difficult.

In some cases, a chest X-ray or an ultrasound of the heart may be necessary to assess the condition of the lungs and heart and to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.

Therapy

Treatment of canine angiostrongylosis requires the administration of antiparasitic drugs that are specifically effective against nematodes. Moxidectin and milbemycin are two commonly used drugs that can be administered orally or as an injection.

In severe cases, supportive treatment may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms. This may include the administration of oxygen, fluid therapy, and medications to stabilize heart function. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to reduce the inflammatory responses in the lungs.

It is important to carry out the treatment under veterinary supervision and to monitor the dog carefully during and after the treatment to ensure that it recovers fully.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with angiostrongylosis depends on several factors, including the dog’s health, the severity of the infection, and the speed with which treatment is initiated. In general, dogs that are diagnosed and treated early have a good prognosis.

However, if left untreated, the infection can cause serious complications and, in the worst case, lead to Death. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to increase the chances of a full recovery.

After treatment, it is important to monitor the dog regularly for relapses or re-infections, as there is a risk of re-infection, especially in areas with a high prevalence of the parasite.

Prevention

The prevention of canine angiostrongylosis focuses on avoiding contact with the intermediate hosts of the parasite. Dogs should be discouraged from eating snails or slugs, and care should be taken to keep them in clean, well-maintained environments.

Regular deworming with appropriate medications can help minimize the risk of infection. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to create a suitable deworming plan tailored to the specific needs and exposure risk of the dog.

In areas with known prevalence of the parasite, the use of antiparasitics specifically targeting Angiostrongylus vasorum can also be considered as prophylaxis. However, these should only be used after consulting a veterinarian to avoid overmedication.

Outlook on current research

Canine angiostrongylosis, an infection with the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum, is an increasingly significant problem in veterinary medicine, especially in Europe. In recent years, research has begun to address this disease more intensively in order to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. One of the most important areas of research is the study of the distribution patterns of the parasite. In Europe, the distribution area of Angiostrongylus vasorum has been shown to be growing, partly due to climatic changes and the behavior of intermediate hosts, such as snails and frogs. The research examines how these environmental factors affect prevalence and spread.

Another focus of research is the development of new diagnostic methods. Currently, serological tests that detect antibodies or antigens of the parasite in the blood are considered promising tools. These tests can enable early diagnosis before clinical symptoms appear. Studies are investigating the sensitivity and specificity of these tests to improve their reliability. At the same time, research is also being conducted on molecular diagnostic methods based on PCR technology to directly detect the genetic material of the parasite.

The treatment of canine angiostrongylosis usually involves antiparasitics that kill the worm. Research focuses on the efficacy and safety of various active ingredients, especially because some dogs may show side effects after treatment. Alternative treatment strategies are also being investigated to avoid resistance and minimize side effects. This includes the exploration of combination therapies or new classes of active ingredients.

Prevention of infection is also an important research topic. Scientists are working on the development of vaccines that could protect dogs from infection. Although there is currently no approved vaccine against Angiostrongylus vasorum, initial studies show promising results in generating an immune response in the dog. At the same time, research is also being conducted on the biological control of snail populations to reduce the transmission of the parasite.

Another aspect of the research is the investigation of pathogenesis, i.e., the development mechanisms of the disease in the dog’s body. Researchers are trying to understand how the parasite affects the dog’s immune system and what factors lead to the different disease courses. These findings could help improve the prognosis for affected dogs and develop more targeted therapies.

In addition, the role of co-infections is being investigated, as dogs with angiostrongylosis often also have other parasitic or bacterial infections. The interaction between different pathogens and their effects on the dog’s immune system are the subject of current studies. The aim is to develop more comprehensive treatment approaches that address all aspects of the infection.

The research work is supported by the use of modern technologies such as genome sequencing and bioinformatics, which make it possible to better understand the genetic structure of the parasite. This allows new target structures for therapeutic approaches to be identified. International cooperation between research institutions also contributes to the rapid advancement of knowledge in this field.

Overall, current research shows that canine angiostrongylosis is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a multidisciplinary approach. However, advances in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention give reason to hope that the control of this disease can be made more effective in the near future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Canine Angiostrongylosis? Canine angiostrongylosis is a parasitic infection in dogs caused by the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum. The parasite affects the pulmonary arteries and the heart, which can lead to various health problems.
How do dogs become infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum? Dogs become infected by eating infected intermediate hosts, usually snails or frogs. These intermediate hosts take up the larvae of the parasite from the environment, and the dog becomes infected when it eats these animals.
What symptoms do dogs with Canine Angiostrongylosis show? The symptoms can vary and include Cough, Respiratory distress, Weight loss, Müdigkeit, Bleeding, and in severe cases, heart problems. Sometimes dogs also show neurological symptoms or Behavioral changes.
How is Canine Angiostrongylosis diagnosed? The diagnosis is made by a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests that detect antibodies or antigens of the parasite, and imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasounds of the chest.
Can Canine Angiostrongylosis be treated? Yes, the infection can be treated with special antiparasitics. Treatment should be started as early as possible to avoid complications. In severe cases, intensive medical care may be required.
How can I protect my dog from Canine Angiostrongylosis? To reduce the risk of infection, dogs should be prevented from eating snails and frogs. There are also prevention programs based on regular deworming that your veterinarian can recommend.
Is Canine Angiostrongylosis transmissible to humans? No, Angiostrongylus vasorum is specific to dogs and other canids. Humans cannot become infected with this parasite.
Which dogs are particularly at risk? Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and have access to gardens or forests are at greater risk because they come into contact with infected intermediate hosts more often. Younger dogs also seem to be more susceptible.
Are there regional differences in the distribution of Angiostrongylus vasorum? Yes, the distribution can vary depending on the region. The parasite is mainly found in Europe, parts of Africa, and South America. In Europe, it is currently spreading further, including to areas where it was not previously found.
Can my dog recover completely after an infection? With timely and appropriate treatment, many dogs can recover completely, especially if the infection is detected early. However, in some cases, permanent damage or recurring symptoms may occur, especially if treatment is started late.