Canine angiostrongylosis: an update

Abstract

The canine ‘lungworm’, Angiostrongylus vasorum, continues to grab the headlines when it comes to parasite infections of dogs in the UK. Geographical spread appears to continue apace, with fresh evidence of autocthonous infections in northern England and Scotland, leading practices to constantly re-evaluate their advice to clients on preventive worming regimens, as well as their approach to respiratory and other presentations in dogs. Recent developments offer improved information in support of practice decisions in these areas. In particular, a new point-of-care test based on detection of circulating worm antigen should help to support definitive diagnosis, so often elusive using previous tests, and to revolutionise awareness of the local level of risk. This and related serological tests are underpinning large-scale surveys to provide new epidemiological insights. The options for treatment and control of infection are also expanding, with milbemycin oxime joining moxidectin in having been shown to prevent patent infection. Surveys of clinical incidence suggest that increased awareness and improved control of the parasite can quell disease in identified ‘hotspots’. Therefore, although the threat of angiostrongylosis seems to be increasing in the UK, and extending to new areas, a growing toolkit for diagnosis and control places the veterinary professions in a strong position to counter this threat. Veterinary nurses have a particularly important role in providing laboratory support for evidence-based medicine, and for leading informed discussion of risks with dog owners. This should enable appropriate, risk-based advice on preventive worming regimens for dogs. Ongoing research suggests that other factors, such as age, breed, and individual behaviour, might also be taken into account to ensure that dogs are appropriately protected from this often mild, but potentially fatal, parasitic infection.