Canine neural angiostrongylosis: the clinical and therapeutic features of 55 natural cases

Abstract

The clinical features of 55 naturally occurring cases of neural angiostrongylosis caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis are described. The principal clinical feature is an ascending paresis of varying severity, mainly effecting the limbs and bladder. In severely affected animals the cranial nerves and central nervous system are affected. A distinguishing clinical sign is a variable severe lumbar hyperalgesia. For prognostic purposes the severity of the disease is divided into 3 grades. Recovery occurs in the first 2, however in the third, the most severe grade, animals do not recover. Corticosteroids and supportive nursing facilitate recovery and lessen the residual neurological dysfunction. Anthelmintics were included in the therapeutic regimen but their use worsened the signs. Death was recorded in association with the use of anthelmintics in cases that should have otherwise recovered.

Emerging Angiostrongyliasis in Mainland China

“…Few cases were reported thereafter. 2,Guangxi;3,Hainan;4,Guangdong;5,Fujian;6,Zhejiang;7,Jiangsu;8,Beijing;9,Tianjing;10,Liaoning;11,Heilongjiang. Awareness of angiostrongyliasis needs to be improved for consumers and health professionals. Education campaigns should inform consumers about the risk of contracting angiostrongyliasis, e.g., by eating raw snails, and professional knowledge among healthcare providers should be improved to ensure timely detection of infections and adequate medical response.…”

“…The prevalence and intensity of infection were generally higher in R. norvegicus than in other rodents. Infections were also found among nonhuman primate, equine, and canine species (5,6). However, the prevalence in domestic animals and nonrodent wildlife remains to be fully investigated.…”

Clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum

“…Other signs may include coagulopathies with bleeding disorders, neurological, gastrointestinal or non-specific signs such as anorexia and exercise intolerance. Sudden death may also occur due to the obstruction of the pulmonary or other important arteries or heart failure (Mason 1987;Patteson et al 1993;Ramsey et al 1996;Chapman et al 2004;Garosi et al 2005;Staebler et al 2005;Wessmann et al 2006). Naturally infected asymptomatic dogs have also been reported (Martin et al 1993;Patteson et al 1993;van Doorn et al 2009).…”

Comparison of faecal techniques including FLOTAC for copromicroscopic detection of first stage larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum

“…The distribution of A. vasorum includes Europe, South and North America and Africa . Respiratory, bleeding and neurological disorders, as well as non-specific signs, such as anorexia and exercise intolerance, are frequent (Chapman et al 2004;Mason 1987;Patteson et al 1993;Staebler et al 2005). Sudden death is also reported (Chapman et al 2004;Denk et al 2009;Garosi et al 2005;Wessmann et al 2006).…”