Deadly dog parasite found in city

[Gazo]

A parasite which can cause fatal illness in dogs has been found in Scotland for the first time, scientists have confirmed.
Experts said that the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, also known as the 'French heartworm', could be moving north because of climate change.
It is carried by slugs and snails which have increased in number in Scotland because of recent warm temperatures.
Vets in Glasgow recently treated a Weimaraner which had the parasite.
Signs that a dog is infected by the parasite include coughing, breathing difficulties and unexplained bleeding problems, including spontaneous bruising and bleeding into the eye.




It is thought the one-year-old dog became ill after swallowing a slug infected with the organism or eating grass with a fresh slug trail on it.
The parasite is normally found in south west England, but scientists said it could be moving northwards because of increasing temperatures.
Professor John Gilleard, from the University of Glasgow's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said: "We found the larvae in the faeces and after running some specialised PCR tests confirmed it was the French heartworm parasite.
"The dog had never left Glasgow so it had to have come into contact with the parasite here."
Staff at the university's vet school urged dog owners to be alert to the symptoms of infection, as dogs can make a full recovery if given the correct treatment.
Small Animal Hospital Vet Jenny Helm, who treated the animal, said: "Dog owners and veterinary surgeons should be aware that the parasite has arrived in Scotland.
"This parasite can cause serious diseases and death is not unknown.
"If owners suspect their dog may be infected with the parasite they should contact their local vet immediately."

[Lez325]

Originally Posted by Gazo

A parasite which can cause fatal illness in dogs has been found in Scotland for the first time, scientists have confirmed.
Experts said that the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, also known as the 'French heartworm', could be moving north because of climate change.
It is carried by slugs and snails which have increased in number in Scotland because of recent warm temperatures.
Vets in Glasgow recently treated a Weimaraner which had the parasite.
Signs that a dog is infected by the parasite include coughing, breathing difficulties and unexplained bleeding problems, including spontaneous bruising and bleeding into the eye.




It is thought the one-year-old dog became ill after swallowing a slug infected with the organism or eating grass with a fresh slug trail on it.
The parasite is normally found in south west England, but scientists said it could be moving northwards because of increasing temperatures.
Professor John Gilleard, from the University of Glasgow's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said: "We found the larvae in the faeces and after running some specialised PCR tests confirmed it was the French heartworm parasite.
"The dog had never left Glasgow so it had to have come into contact with the parasite here."
Staff at the university's vet school urged dog owners to be alert to the symptoms of infection, as dogs can make a full recovery if given the correct treatment.
Small Animal Hospital Vet Jenny Helm, who treated the animal, said: "Dog owners and veterinary surgeons should be aware that the parasite has arrived in Scotland.
"This parasite can cause serious diseases and death is not unknown.
"If owners suspect their dog may be infected with the parasite they should contact their local vet immediately."

What are you trying to say Gazo

Les

[Dale]

Thanks for the heads up Gaz.

Living just 20 miles South of Glasgow with 3 dogs, ironically, 2 of them are Weimaraners, this is a worry.

[Gazo]

Originally Posted by Lez325

What are you trying to say Gazo

Les

Shurp Les

Originally Posted by Dale

Thanks for the heads up Gaz.

Living just 20 miles South of Glasgow with 3 dogs, ironically, 2 of them are Weimaraners, this is a worry.

Was just reason for me posting it I know quite a few members have dogs inc myself. lets just hope they can contain it be sad to see it spread across the UK

[Lez325]

That would be a disaster- I love dogs

les

been out with a few