Lung worms in dogs are very rare. The tiny worms live in the respiratory tract, more specifically in the nodules of the windpipe. These worms cause symptoms that range from coughing to complete respiratory failure. Dogs become infected by ingesting the saliva or feces of another infected animal. The infection is often only diagnosed after a round of antibiotics have failed to cure the symptoms. Most dogs recover completely with treatment. The biggest risk is the secondary infections caused by the feeding larvae.
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Types
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Several types of lung worms affect different animals. The type that infect dogs is Nematode Filaroides Osleri of the order of Strongylida.
Symptoms
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Some common symptoms that dogs infected with lung worms exhibit are coughing and
weight loss. Sometimes when the infection is acute the dog will be short of breath. The symptoms are common with several other respiratory problems making diagnosis difficult.
Secondary Infections
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Lung worms often cause secondary infections of the respiratory tract. These infections can be more dangerous than the worms themselves. If lung worms are left untreated they can cause respiratory failure and death.
Diagnosis
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This infection is very rare and often diagnosis is made only after antibiotic therapy has failed. A vet may inspect fecal mater for larvae or do a bronchial mucus smear to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment
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Treatment generally consists of a round of de-wormer with fenbendazole.
Antibiotics for secondary infections are often administered as well.
Prevention/Solution
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Regular treatment with a de-wormer can help prevent infection. To prevent reinfection of treated animals sanitary housing conditions is a must.
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