In case you suppose your canine has eaten a slug and also you’re nervous about what to do subsequent, the very first thing to do is keep calm and don’t panic. Most often, it’s not overtly life-threatening in case your canine by accident ate a single slug.
Whereas the slug itself is unlikely to trigger a lot hurt they’ll carry lungworm parasites. Due to this fact it’s greatest to contact your vet for recommendation in case your canine has eaten a slug (or snail), particularly in case you are in an space the place these parasites are recognized to be prevalent and your canine will not be on any common preventative treatment.
Learn on to search out out extra about these parasites and how one can scale back the chance of your canine consuming slugs and their danger of selecting up lungworm.
Slugs Can Trigger Lungworm in Canines
There are a number of species of lungworm and canines can develop into contaminated by two of them by consuming slugs that include the infective larval stage of the parasite. Canines can get lungworm by swallowing slugs (or snails) that include the larvae of Crenosoma vulpis ( the fox lungworm) and Angiostrongylus vasorum.
The prevalence of those parasites relies on the place you reside. Crenosoma vulpis is extensively distributed around the globe in fox populations and in canines that share the identical setting. Angiostrongyus vasorum has previously been a parasite of continental Europe, Africa and South America however its prevalence is spreading, particularly within the UK and components of Canada. Your vet will be capable of assess the chance of those parasites in your space and will advise to your canine to be on common lungworm preventative remedy, particularly if they’re vulnerable to scavenging and consuming issues corresponding to slugs and snails.
Typically when individuals consult with lungworm they’re referring to Angiosytrongylus vasorum and we’ll concentrate on this parasite as it could possibly trigger critical illness in canines. In addition to consuming an contaminated slug (or snail), canines can be contaminated by consuming from a water bowl that’s had an contaminated slug crawl by means of it or in it, or play with a toy that an contaminated slug crawled on. For that reason, in case your unprotected canine eats a slug, search recommendation out of your vet about the perfect plan of action. In case you are in an in danger space they might suggest remedy efficient towards this parasite to forestall infestation and illness.
The Impact of Lungworm on Canines
Lungworm attributable to Angiostrongylus vasorum may be very critical, particularly if not caught early.
The grownup worms truly reside within the coronary heart and blood vessels of the contaminated canine the place they lay eggs which get carried to the lungs. In extreme instances lungworm could cause coronary heart issues, respiratory points and pneumonia.
It might additionally trigger bleeds wherever within the physique however particularly within the lungs,eyes, spinal twine, gut and eyes. Whereas it isn’t 100% clear why this occurs it’s thought that lungworms secrete a blood-thinning chemical that makes it troublesome to your canine’s blood to clot after an harm or accident. That is referred to as “parasitic coagulopathy” and may trigger your canine to vomit blood, have bloody diarrhea, and endure from inner bleeding. In case your canine seems to be bruising simply and the bruises final for a number of days, it is best to search veterinary assist instantly.
Sometimes the larvae may also transfer to different organs just like the kidneys and even a canine’s mind, the place they’ll trigger sudden loss of life in a seemingly wholesome canine.
What Are the Indicators of Lungworm in Canines?
In case you are nervous your canine has lungworm, it’s crucial that you simply carry them to your veterinarian as quickly as attainable for remedy. The sooner you do, the higher your canine’s prognosis. Sadly, the indicators of a lungworm may be fairly non-specific and just like indicators of different circumstances.
The indicators might embrace:
- Heavy and typically bloody coughing
- Struggling to breathe
- Losing a few pounds rapidly
- Extreme bruising and bleeding
- Very pale gums
- Diarrhea ( may be bloody)
- Vomiting
- Torpid
Most indicators of lungworm will start to indicate 1 to three weeks after your canine eats an contaminated slug. At that time, the an infection could also be extra critical and troublesome to deal with. That’s why, in case you’re positive they’ve eaten a slug, it’s greatest to hunt veterinary recommendation. Catching lungworm early offers your canine the perfect probability of creating a full restoration and avoiding among the extra extreme indicators of lungworm an infection.
Is there a Take a look at for Lungworm?
Vets can diagnose lungworm by in search of larvae in your canine’s poop. There are additionally blood checks that may detect in case your canine is carrying lungworm.
Relying on the indicators your canine is displaying, different checks might should be carried out corresponding to blood checks, chest x-rays and bronchoscopy (when a particular digital camera seems down your canine’s airways).
Tips on how to Forestall Your Canine from Getting Lungworm
Communicate to your vet about common lungworm preventative treatment to your canine, they’ll advise you based mostly on the chance in your space. A number of extremely efficient choices can be found.
Prevention is healthier than remedy so listed here are different measures to forestall your canine companion from struggling this foul parasitic an infection and preserve them protected.
Don’t go away your canine’s toys exterior the place slugs and snails can crawl on them in a single day. Even snail slime could cause lungworm if the snail is contaminated.
Don’t go away water bowls exterior in a single day. In case you do, clean them well before your dog drinks from them.
Search for and take away slugs (and snails) in your backyard. They like damp, moist, darkish locations greatest.
When strolling your canine, be vigilant about them consuming something. Slugs are interested in rotting meals which might additionally make your canine sick.
Remove dog poop from your yard immediately. This could break the cycle of lungworm larvae being transferred out of your yard to your pet.
Last Ideas
In case your canine ate a slug, however you’ve been treating them with a preventative measure prescribed by your veterinarian, there’s no must panic. Even when your canine isn’t being handled, not all slugs include lungworm larvae and it might not trigger an issue. Nevertheless, it is best to nonetheless search recommendation out of your veterinarian on the perfect plan of action. The sooner your canine gets treated for lungworm, the higher, as it could possibly trigger critical well being points.
Featured Picture Credit score: GAIMARD, Pixabay
