Slugs and Snails
Some dogs might not
eat slugs and snails on purpose, but they may do so by
accident – for example when a slug or snail is sitting on a
bone or a favourite toy!
Canine angiostrongylosis is a life-threatening disease of
dogs caused by a very sophisticated worm. The worm is called
Angiostrongylus vasorum, often referred to as lungworm or
French heartworm due to its discovery in France in 1866.
The worm was first reported in Ireland in the early 1970s,
after which it was carried to the UK in greyhounds.
Vets are now reporting significantly more cases of dogs with
the disease than in the past years. As yet it is unclear why
there has been an increase, but the worm is known to favour
warmer temperatures – something we seem to be experiencing
lately. Foxes can also be infected, and the increase in
urban fox populations might be another reason why vets are
seeing more cases in dogs, as infected foxes spread worm
larvae in their poo.
Infestations of this lungworm often result in death if not
diagnosed, or if left untreated.
Early diagnosis by a vet, followed by appropriate treatment
will, fortunately, usually lead to a full recovery.
SIGNS
There are many symptoms to watch out for, although an
infected dog may equally appear totally healthy. Persistent
coughing, reluctance to exercise, depression, weight loss,
fits, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, paralysis, behavioural
changes and persistent bleeding from even insignificant cuts
are all possible signs.
Dogs under the age of two appear to be more susceptible than
older dogs, even though dogs of all ages and breeds can be
affected.
The wide range of symptoms can easily be confused with other
illnesses so contacting your vet is important in case any of
the above signs have been noticed.
For this lungworm to infect a dog it has to pass through an
intermediate host and then be eaten by the dog. In this
instance, the intermediate hosts are slugs and snails or
even frogs! Dogs do not normally eat slugs or snails
willingly, although some might unwittingly do so by eating
grass or anything else they choose to eat while outside.
Outside water bowls or the practice of feeding dogs outside
might increase the risk of them eating a slug or snail.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten a slug or a snail, or
habitually does so, go and see your vet without delay. He or
she will be able to test very quickly whether your dog is
infected. Fortunately, there is treatment available for this
condition which your vet will be able to prescribe.