Angiostrongylosis in a greyhound

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Parasitology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyle nematode affecting canids.
• The parasite's life cycle involves gastropod intermediate hosts.
• Geographic spread of animal diseases is a significant concern in veterinary medicine.

Observation:

• A case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection was identified post-mortem in a Greyhound dog.
• The dog was recently imported from Ireland.
• Necropsy revealed granulomatous masses and pulmonary arterial thrombosis linked to nematode presence.

Findings:

• Adult and larval stages of Angiostrongylus vasorum were identified.
• Widespread hemorrhages were observed in subcutaneous tissues, muscles, and serosal surfaces.
• These clinical signs are consistent with the bleeding disorder associated with angiostrongylosis in Europe.

Implications:

• The presence of common intermediate hosts (mollusks) in the United States raises concerns.
• Imported racing or breeding dogs could potentially introduce and establish Angiostrongylus vasorum in the US.
• This highlights the need for vigilance and potential screening protocols for imported animals.