Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term outlook for dogs with lung worm and high blood pressure
By Turner, R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2025·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The long-term outcome and changes in tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient in dogs diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and Angiostrongylus vasorum infestation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) due to a parasite called Angiostrongylus vasorum were observed for their symptoms and treatment outcomes. Many of these dogs showed signs of respiratory distress when they were brought in. After treatment with sildenafil (a medication often used for heart issues), most dogs survived their hospital stay, and over half of those followed up were still alive two years later. The study found that while some dogs improved significantly, older dogs tended to have shorter survival times.
People also search for: dog respiratory distress treatment · pulmonary hypertension in dogs · Angiostrongylus vasorum symptoms · sildenafil for dogs heart problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Angiostrongylus vasorum (AV) is a metastrongylid parasite that has been associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical presentation of dogs with AV and PH, document changes in tricuspid regurgitation maximum pressure gradient (TR Max PG) in subsequent months and years, record the survival to discharge and report the long-term survival of these dogs and factors associated with mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from client-owned dogs presenting to a teaching hospital between January 2007 and October 2023 with AV and PH were reviewed retrospectively. Signalment, presenting signs and echocardiographic reports were collected, and their survival to discharge noted. Date of death and loss of follow-up were recorded. Univariable analysis was used to assess the association of different factors on long-term survival. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases were identified with concurrent PH and AV, commonly presented in respiratory distress. Tricuspid regurgitation, as measured by TR Max PG on echocardiography, resolved in 9 of 28 (32.1%) cases. Survival to discharge was favourable at 92.9% (26/28). The median duration of follow-up was 196 days. Survival time was documented, with 6 of 11 (54.5%) known dogs still alive at 2 years post discharge. Treatment with sildenafil (Viagra; Pfizer) was associated with longer survival time and increased age was associated with a shorter survival time. The presence of right-sided congestive heart failure was not associated with a shorter survival time. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs with AV infestation and PH can live for prolonged periods (>2 years).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40579840/