Heartworm infection death in a young dog
Martin, M.
Veterinary Record 124(17): 470
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2728305 Document Number: 336984
In March, 1988, a five-month-old male Corgi, which was considered to be the runt of a litter of five, was purchased. It appeared lethargic and inappetent and three weeks later became acutely dyspnoeic and died. PM examination showed an entangled 'rope-like' mass of small nematode parasites, which were almost completely occluding the pulmonary artery, with numerous parasites extending into the branches. No parasites were found in the right ventricle. A total of 72 adult Angiostrongylus vasorum were unravelled from the mass. Another case of angiostrongylosis resulting in death was diagnosed post mortem in the same area (Cornwall) in a 9-month-old Collie. Examination of a litter with no clinical signs but which had radiographic and electrographic evidence of right heart enlargement showed that it was passing 34 000 larvae/gram of faeces. It is suggested that A. vasorum infection may be more common than has been previously recognized, particularly in Cornwall.