Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and signs of lung hypertension in dogs with Angiostrongylus
By Borgeat, K et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2015·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension in dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs infected with a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum developed breathing problems due to pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). The study found that about 15% of these dogs had moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension, which significantly shortened their survival time. Dogs with this condition were at a much higher risk of dying within six months of being diagnosed. This highlights the serious impact of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection on affected dogs and the importance of early detection and treatment.
People also search for: dog breathing problems Angiostrongylus vasorum · pulmonary hypertension in dogs · dog survival time with pulmonary hypertension
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The outcome in dogs with pulmonary hypertension associated with natural Angiostrongylus vasorum infection is unclear. This study aimed to report long-term outcome of dogs with A. vasorum and pulmonary hypertension, and to evaluate factors associated with pulmonary hypertension development. It was hypothesised that dogs with pulmonary hypertension had a shorter survival time than dogs without pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records of dogs diagnosed with A. vasorum. Dogs were classified as having or not having pulmonary hypertension based on clinical signs and imaging findings. Signalment, signs and outcome were recorded. DNA obtained from banked samples was genotyped for the PDE5a:E90K polymorphism, a possible factor in development of pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS: The proportion of dogs with moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension and A. vasorum infection in the study population was 14 · 6%. No difference in the population characteristics or PDE5a genotype was detected between dogs with and without pulmonary hypertension. Dogs with pulmonary hypertension had a significantly shorter survival time (P = 0 · 006) and a greater risk of death within 6 months of diagnosis (odds ratio 12 · 5, 95% confidence interval 2 · 1 to 74 · 9; P = 0 · 0053). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A. vasorum-associated pulmonary hypertension is an important problem in naturally infected dogs and has a negative effect upon survival.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25483150/