Written by our Vet (Simon Hayes)

I’ve been in small animal practice for nearly 20 years now. In large animal practice there is an understanding of the necessity for parasite control. Without it, productivity takes a hit, but I believe there has been to lax an attitude to parasite control in our nation’s pets for too long. Now with cases of lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) being diagnosed more and more frequently, this has to change. If I see one more dog dying acutely from lungworm, it will be one too many. Slugs and snails are the reservoir of lungworm. Larval stages develop in them and then dogs, being dogs eat the slug or snail intentionally or accidentally. The dog is then infected and the larvae migrate to the pulmonary artery (near the lungs and heart) where the adult worms develop and lay eggs which move to the lungs. Little nodules form in the lungs containing eggs and larvae. Most infected dogs will cough and it can become a low grade chronic disease, but in a few dogs it can be rapidly fatal. Some just show very non-specific illness, like tiredness or vomiting and diarrhea  but in others their blood stops clotting and they can die very quickly. Sorry to be so graphic, but I have sadly seen this happen.

I’m sure like many vets out there, I have often not pushed the issue of worm and flea control. We regularly hear “He’s very well, I’m sure he doesn’t need worming,” or, “I would know if she had a problem.” During a long, busy day, who can be bothered arguing that prescription wormers or flea products are more effective than pet shop or supermarket products? If I ever find Bob Martin, I won’t be held responsible for my actions! If I’m honest most people are concerned over the costs and as a profession we haven’t educated them well enough to see the importance of spending just a little bit more to get the right products. Generally it works out at £10-12 a month.

Owner compliance is poor when vets strongly recommend products, imagine what its like when we make it sound like its not that important. Those days should be over. In the UK, certainly in the South East, we now have a potentially fatal parasite out there that can easily be controlled with a monthly preventative treatment. Surely it is every veterinary surgeon’s responsibility to advise this. I would question whether it should be advice or whether, as with heartworm in other countries, it is seen as importantly as vaccination.

Its not only lungworm; there are human health issues with pet parasites as well and cats are just as important. There are at least 10 cases per year in the UK of Toxocariasis in children, with a high risk of blindness. Many people are allergic to flea bites. Sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to people. I have a client who caught worms off of her cat and became extremely ill. Why are we taking a risk with pet and human health? I am very strongly advising the use of monthly Advocate for every dog and cat that I see. As I said, I cannot watch another dog die from lungworm and I see it as my responsibility to make pet owners aware of how serious parasites can be for them and their pets.