Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Angiostrongylus vasorum infection patterns in dogs in Southern England
By Blehaut, T R W et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2014·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Spatial, demographic and clinical patterns of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in the dog population of Southern England.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of young dogs in Southern England, particularly breeds like Jack Russell Terriers and Cocker Spaniels, showed signs of breathing problems and bleeding issues due to a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum. The study found that these symptoms were more common in certain breeds and younger dogs. If your dog is experiencing respiratory distress or unusual bleeding, especially if they belong to one of the at-risk breeds, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of this infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · Jack Russell bleeding issues · Cocker Spaniel Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment
Abstract
A retrospective study was carried out to provide updated knowledge of the spatial pattern of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in Southern England and to investigate associations between selected host characteristics (age, breed, sex), risk of infection and clinical presentation (cardiorespiratory signs v haemorrhagic diathesis). One hundred and forty-one cases diagnosed between April 1999 and July 2012 were compared with a control population of dogs referred to the same hospital. A significant association was found between haemorrhagic diathesis and breed but not for other host characteristics and clinical presentations. Younger dogs and certain breeds of dog (Jack Russell terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers) had significantly higher odds of angiostrongylosis than other breeds in the study. A significant cluster of cases was found in Southern England. Animals presenting with cardiorespiratory signs or haemorrhagic diathesis in Southern England, especially if they are young or of a breed associated with angiostrongylosis, should be given special consideration with regards to possible A. vasorum infestation. Our results should be interpreted bearing in mind that they are based on the retrospective exploration of dogs seen at a referral centre.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24878572/