Highly Variable Clinical Pictures in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Canine Infectious Diseases
• Ecology of Parasites

Background:

• Canine angiostrongylosis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum is expanding into new regions.
• The disease's complex pathogenesis results in varied clinical presentations, complicating diagnosis.
• Infected dogs exhibit a spectrum of signs, from asymptomatic to critical conditions affecting multiple systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the clinical variability of canine angiostrongylosis in naturally infected dogs.
• To emphasize the importance of considering Angiostrongylus vasorum in differential diagnoses, irrespective of typical respiratory signs.
• To highlight the prevalence of subclinical infections and the need for routine screening.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case series analysis of 36 naturally Angiostrongylus vasorum-infected dogs.
• Evaluation of clinical signs, including general, cardiorespiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal manifestations.
• Assessment of diagnostic findings, distinguishing between symptomatic and subclinically infected individuals.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of infected dogs (63.9%) exhibited clinical signs, while 36.1% were subclinically infected.
• Cardiorespiratory signs were most common (52.8%), followed by non-specific abnormalities (38.9%).
• Notably, four symptomatic dogs lacked typical cough or dyspnea, and some presented with coagulation disorders or severe neurological signs.

Conclusions:

• Canine angiostrongylosis should be suspected even with non-specific clinical signs or absence of respiratory symptoms.
• The high rate of subclinical infections underscores the necessity of routine coproscopic and antigenic testing in endemic areas.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to mitigate the risk of life-threatening complications in affected dogs.