DOG owners and walkers have been warned against a potentially fatal parasite as an interactive map has revealed where cases have been reported so far.
More than 60 cases of the highly-dangerous, lungworm have been reported across the North East and North Yorkshire.
The parasite, which can cause a several symptoms and require immediate veterinary assistance, poses a problem as it lives among slugs and snails.
Dogs, and even foxes, can be affected as there have been cases where they have eaten them, ingesting lungworm larvae.
But according to the map, which has been produced by Elanco who develops and researches treatment of disease among pets, dozens of areas have reported cases.
County Durham areas including Bishop Auckland and Crook have seen suspected cases as areas in neighbouring Darlington, near the town centre have.
On Teesside, areas including Billingham, Middlesbrough, Stokesley and a village near Yarm have also seen suspected cases.
Meanwhile across the region, a number of other towns and villages have also witnessed pet owners reporting the lungworm via the map.
What is lungworm?
The map has been created due to the sheer seriousness lungworm can present if not treated in a timely manner.
Officially known as Angiostrongylus vasorum, the parasite can cause severe illness among dogs, eventually leading to death if not caught in time.
The PDSA has said that despite its name, the parasite travels around the whole body and cause breathing difficuties, heart failure, seizures and bleeding disorders.
What are the symptoms?
That has prompted the PDSA to release a list of symptoms that dog owners should look out for if they believe their dog has come into contact, or eaten a slug or snail.
It says that symptoms can be difficult to spot because they are often very vague and varied, but says common symptoms include the following.
- Coughing
- Breathing problems (fast, heavy, noisy)
- Weight loss
- Unexplained bruising and bleeding
- Seizures
- Collapse and shock
- Blindness
What should you do?
Vets across the country say that dog owners should contact their local practice immediately if their dog is showing any symptoms of lungworm.
The PDSA say this is because treatment depends on how severe the infection is and what symptoms they are experiencing, which requires medical attention.
It said that vets will tend to kill the lungworm at the first opportunity, although this process is critical, meanwhile certain cases may require hospitalisation.
It said: "Mild lungworm infections often only require lungworm treatment and medication to go home with, but if your dog is seriously ill, they may need intensive care in the veterinary hospital."
How can I prevent lungworm?
The PDSA states that you can take steps to prevent lungworm with a range of de-worming products, which include protection against the parasite.
It goes on to say that dog owners should purchase de-worming treatment that are a veterinary licenced product as they offer more effective ingredients.
To view the map - click here
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here