Lungworm warning to Midlothian dog owners
Dog owners in Midlothian are being warned to be on the look out for signs of a potentially fatal infection caused by slugs and snails.
Soggy weather conditions have caused a huge increase in slugs and snails across the UK, posing a serious risk of lungworm to dogs that eat them.
Esk Valley Veterinary Surgery's Mandy Elgin has warned owners to watch out for signs that their dog has picked up the infection.
The bug is spreading among dogs in the UK and leads to a disease called angiostrongylosis.
It has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to diagnose.
However, with the increasing appearance of the parasite causing this disease, vets are on the look out for the condition before it progresses to a stage where it becomes fatal.
The lungworm parasite spends part of its lifecycle in slugs, snails or even frogs.
The danger to dogs arises when small slugs or snails are swallowed while rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, or drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls.
Mandy explains: "You might notice coughing, reluctance to exercise, depression, weight loss, fits, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and paralysis, or persistent bleeding from minor cuts. However, a small proportion of dogs are hidden carriers, which means they don't show any symptoms."
Owners who notice any of these symptoms or whose dogs might eat or come into contact with slugs or snails should contact Esk Valley or their local veterinary practice for an immediate consultation.
The sooner the disease is spotted, the easier it is to treat and the more likely the dog will go on to make a full recovery.
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