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Lungworm Filaroides osleri This is a parasitic disease often seen in younger dogs as a kennel related problem, it does not present until after 4-6 months of age even if infection has been present since birth. It is thought to be more prevalent in Greyhounds. The larvae are coughed up and swallowed and then passed out in faeces. Pups are infected by ingestion of the larvae which migrate from the intestine through the body tissues to the lungs where the adults develop in nodules in the lung passages. It takes 3-4 months from the initial infection to the establishment of the adult worms. Persistent coughing over a period of several months is common, severe cases may have difficulty breathing, especially after exercise, mild cases may show no clinical signs. Spasms of coughing are common and often end with a retching action. Periods of remission lasting days or weeks may occur. Affected animals usually appear bright and lively when not coughing. Diagnosis can be made by examining the faeces for larvae and passing an endoscope down the windpipe to directly visualise the nodules. Treatment is with fenbendazole for 7 consecutive days. |
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