French Bulldog Puppy Dies After Contracting Lungworm- What You Can Do To Avoid This

There have been 16 reported cases of the parasite in Gloucestershire.

A tragic incident involving a French bulldog puppy recently unfolded in Rugby, where a routine operation led to complications and ultimately claimed the pup's life due to the presence of the deadly lungworm parasite. The family, who cherished their puppy named Minnie, was having her spayed when she began experiencing uncontrolled bleeding following the procedure. Lungworm can disrupt blood clotting, despite the veterinary team's best efforts to save Minnie, she tragically succumbed to the condition.

This insidious parasite resides concealed within the heart and lungs, often exhibiting no initial symptoms, making its detection quite challenging. Sian Reekie, Minnie's owner, expressed her shock, saying, "I had never heard of lungworm before Minnie's tragedy. We now understand it's often referred to as a silent killer, and this description couldn't be more accurate. Prior to her operation, Minnie was perfectly healthy and her usual playful self, little did we know that lungworm was silently deteriorating her from within."

Here are some important facts about lungworm:

1. How it's Contracted: Lungworm larvae are carried by slugs and snails, and dogs can become infected when they accidentally or intentionally ingest these creatures. This can occur while dogs explore fields, grassy areas, puddles, outdoor water bowls, or even when they ingest slime from these creatures.

2.The Act Against Lungworm Campaign: An organization is working diligently to raise awareness about the importance of preventing lungworm infections in pets, emphasizing how simple it is to protect them.

3.Diverse Worming Treatments: Not all worming treatments are effective against lungworm, and some may not provide any protection at all. Lungworm prevention should be administered monthly, as treating every three months can pose risks of disease and even death. It's crucial to consult your veterinarian to establish a monthly parasite prevention plan that ensures your dog is fully shielded from lungworm.

Evidence from the Royal Veterinary College indicates that lungworm has expanded its presence in the UK beyond its typical habitat in the South of the country. Consequently, veterinarians across the nation are urging pet owners to adopt a monthly preventive regimen to safeguard their beloved animals from this parasite.

Sian added, "We are utterly devastated by Minnie's loss. We were not prepared for the tragedy that befell Minnie, and we hope that sharing her story will help raise awareness about this parasite. Dog owners must engage with their veterinarians to learn how to prevent it."