Canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis: an update

Vet J. 2009 Mar;179(3):348-59. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.11.014. Epub 2008 Jan 3.

Abstract

Canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis is an emerging snail-borne disease causing verminous pneumonia and coagulopathy in dogs. The parasite is found in Europe, North and South America and Africa, covering tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Its distribution has been characterised by isolated endemic foci, with only sporadic occurrences outside these areas. In the last two decades, the literature has been dominated by several case reports and small case series describing sporadic disease in old or new endemic areas. Case reports and experimental studies with high doses of infective third stage larvae may not reflect what happens under field conditions. There is insufficient understanding of the spread of infection and the dynamic consequences of this parasite in the canine population. This review discusses the biology, epidemiology, clinical aspects and management of canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiostrongylus*
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Disease Reservoirs / parasitology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / pathology
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary*
  • Prognosis
  • Snails / parasitology
  • Strongylida Infections / drug therapy
  • Strongylida Infections / epidemiology
  • Strongylida Infections / pathology
  • Strongylida Infections / veterinary*

Substances

  • Anthelmintics