Lungworm infection in dogs

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) infection in dogs: reliable information to help practitioners

Veterinary Prescriber, the leading source of independent information on veterinary medicines, has published a module giving a concise and impartial presentation of the facts about lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) infection in dogs. Just as importantly, the module highlights what is not known.

Andrea Tarr, Veterinary Prescriber's founder said: "the unique module is balanced, clear and concise and gives veterinary surgeons the information they need to be able to advise clients confidently about the risks of A. vasorum and make informed decisions about the management of the disease in individual dogs." The module is available only at:

http://www.veterinaryprescriber.org/subscribers-content/lungworm-in-dogs-reducing-the-risks

A. vasorum infection in dogs is a hot topic at the moment. The disease is potentially fatal and difficult to diagnose. It arouses fear (which may have been enhanced by a very emotive publicity campaign). There is also quite a bit of confusion as a result of incomplete information (e.g. about prevalence, mortality rate) and different opinions on how often dogs should be wormed.

Most practitioners don't have the time to read and keep up to date on all the latest research on lungworm.

Veterinary Prescriber's editorial process ensures that the information is impartial, thoroughly researched and checked. For the module on lungworm, we commissioned a specialist (Dr. Hany Elsheikha, Associate Professor and European diplomate in veterinary parasitology, University of Nottingham) to summarise current knowledge about the management of canine lungworm, ensuring that questions important to veterinary practitioners were addressed.