Angiostrongylosis

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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).

Prognosis

References