Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog in Germany died suddenly from heartworm affecting brain and lungs
By Dembowski, Martin et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2026·Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Disseminated angiostrongylosis with involvement of the central nervous system as a cause of sudden death in a dog in Germany.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old male Labrador Retriever suddenly died after experiencing episodes of confusion and breathing problems. Tests showed that he had a severe lung infection caused by a parasite known as Angiostrongylus vasorum, or "French Heartworm," which can affect the heart and lungs. Unfortunately, despite the veterinary team's efforts, the dog succumbed to acute heart failure. This case highlights the importance of considering this parasite in dogs showing unexplained respiratory or neurological symptoms, especially in areas where it is becoming more common.
People also search for: dog sudden death causes · Labrador Retriever breathing problems · Angiostrongylus vasorum symptoms · dog heartworm treatment · dog pneumonia signs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum, known as "French Heartworm", is an emerging concern in canine health in Europe. Foxes are considered the main reservoir hosts, and affected carnivores predominantly show cardiovascular and respiratory signs. However, a disseminated course of infection can have diverse and severe consequences, including fatal outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A six-year-old male Labrador Retriever was presented to the clinic with progressive episodes of stupor lasting a few seconds and dyspnea. Radiographic examination revealed multifocal pulmonary consolidation. In addition, a prolonged blood clotting time was detected. The dog died of acute cardiovascular failure. Histological examination revealed a multifocal, moderate granulomatous pneumonia with numerous intralesional nematode first stage larvae and eggs and interstitial fibrosis in the lungs as well as nematode larvae in the kidneys, brain, spinal cord and myocardium. In addition to morphology, the identity of the nematode larvae as A. vasorum was confirmed by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Several case reports and studies show that the endemic regions of A. vasorum are expanding, and consequently the number of affected countries is increasing. Angiostrongylosis, particularly the disseminated form, remains an underestimated cause of death in dogs and should be taken into consideration in dogs with an unknown cause of disease, especially when cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms and/or neurological signs are present.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42174611/