Angiostrongylosis
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This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | French Heartworm Lungworm |
| Do not confuse with: | Heartworm caused by Dirofilaria immitis |
Description
Angiostrongylosis is a clinical syndrome caused by infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum, the 'French heartworm' or 'lungworm'. The adult worms accumulate in the pulmonary arterial vessels and release eggs and larvae into the circulation.
- Clinical signs of angiostrongylosis are associated with:
- accumulating lung damage caused by eggs and larvae (respiratory distress)
- coagulation disorders caused by adult worms (bruising, haematomas, e.g. in spinal cord)
Signalment
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis: demonstration of large numbers of L1 in faeces (with Barmann technique).
Clinical Signs
Laboratory Tests
Diagnostic Imaging
Other Tests
Treatment
- Angiostrongylus vasorum is easy to treat with suitable anthelmintics, but the others require high daily doses of benzimidazoles for 3-7days.
- Two or more courses of treatment may be necessary (with a rest period between each).