Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First case of lungworm infection in a Norwegian Pembroke Welsh corgi
By Robbestad, Julie et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2024·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First case of autochthonous Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a Norwegian dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 15-month-old Pembroke Welsh corgi was brought to the vet for breathing problems, difficulty exercising, and anemia. Tests showed signs of lung issues and high blood pressure in the lungs, and a fecal test confirmed a parasitic infection called Angiostrongylus vasorum. The dog was treated with a combination of medications, including fenbendazole and sildenafil, and showed complete recovery within four weeks. This case highlights the importance of considering this type of infection in dogs, even in areas where it hasn't been reported before.
People also search for: dog breathing problems Pembroke Welsh corgi · Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment · dog exercise intolerance causes
Abstract
A fifteen-month-old Pembroke Welsh corgi with respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, and moderate regenerative anemia was referred to The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Small Animal Hospital.Hematology revealed moderate regenerative anemia without evidence of hemolysis. Thoracic radiographs showed a generalized mixed interstitial to alveolar lung pattern and enlarged pulmonary arteries. Changes suggestive of moderate pulmonary hypertension were noted on echocardiography. Baermann fecal diagnostic flotation identified large numbers of Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae, and the AngioDetect serological antigen test was positive. The dog was treated with a two-week course with fenbendazole (51 mg/kg q24h po) and topical imidacloprid/moxidectin (250 mg/62.5 mg) and a one-week course with sildenafil (0.45 mg/kg q12h po). Complete clinical, clinicopathological and echocardiographic resolution was observed after only four weeks. Rapid improvement of echocardiographic abnormalities in cases with suspected pulmonary hypertension is not usually reported in cases with angiostrongylosis.Infection with A. vasorum should be considered in dogs with respiratory signs and bleeding tendencies, even in countries with no endemic history or reported cases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39223595/