A dog owner has thanked Cambridgeshire vets for saving his rescue dog’s life after she was diagnosed with a rare parasitic infection.
Six-year-old Ava was taken to her local vet after becoming lethargic and struggling to breathe, but antibiotic and allergy treatments failed to help.
The cockerpoo – a spaniel and poodle cross – was then referred to the internal medicine team at DWR Veterinary Specialists.
It was at DWR that a rapid test for lungworm came back negative, but a CT scan by internal medicine consultant Will Bayton raised concerns the beloved pet was, in fact, infected by Crenosoma vulpis – also known as fox lungworm.
Fox lungworm is a parasite that affects dogs and foxes, with dogs contracting it by ingesting slugs or snails that have been infected by the parasite’s larvae, which are spread via fox faeces.
Will said: “We carried out a bronchoscopy to assess Ava’s airways and take samples and it was then we saw the fox lungworm worms wriggling around.
“It’s really rare to see fox lungworm during a bronchoscopy, which shows the value of this procedure in identifying certain parasites because the rapid test came back as negative.”
Image Captions: Ava was treated for rare fox lungworm at DWR in Cambridgeshire.
Ava, who was adopted by Mr and Mrs Darby two years ago, was given worm treatment and anti-parasite medication and is now recovering at home. She is also receiving a monthly anti-parasite treatment.
Mr Darby, who lives in Chelmsford, Essex, said: “Ava is a sweet, affectionate, funny and intelligent girl. It was horrible to see her in so much distress and feeling ill. At one point, we didn’t even know if she was going to make it.
“We have learned that fox lungworm is spread by dogs eating slugs and snails infected by fox faeces. Locally we have many foxes and have seen faeces in the back garden, so we’ll be taking extra care to remove them before Ava goes outside.
“Once on the correct treatment, her cough stopped immediately and her breathing returned to normal within a few days. Her energy levels have taken two months to start returning.
“It was a great relief to receive a definite diagnosis and treatment, which will also prevent fox lungworm reoccurring.
“When Will called to tell us the treatment was simple and she would fully recover it was a huge relief. I retire in April and Ava features prominently in my plans for walking the coast of Essex!
“It’s great to see her feeling better and our thanks go to the DWR team for their professional kindness and treatment.”