Pongo (20 weeks) has developed a taste for snails. (I think it is the irresistible crunchiness he goes for.) So now I've been reading that this is very dangerous and likely to result in (potentially fatal) lungworm infection. I've learned to take most things on the internet with a pinch of salt, so I'm asking all you sensible people... how much do I need to worry and what should I do (assuming that I can't stop him eating them...)? Rosie
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? I have read that too. Maybe your vet will know if lungworm is in your area. :-\
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? It's a good idea to ask your vet, who should know the local lungworm risk. My local risk is sky high, and every vet for miles around has up warning posters. I use a monthly treatment (advocate) that covers lungworm. My vet even called me before Charlie has his op to check I'd remembered to give the treatment on time. The risk varies around the country though. If you are in a high risk area, it would be worth treating your dog, I think. But best to chat to your vet for the full pros and cons.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? Yup speak to your vet to ascertain the risk and then treat if necessary
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? It seems to be that time of year when the slugs and snails are about.! Murphy finds snails "crunchy" too but a firm "NO" seems to work. I also use Advocate on a monthly basis following advice from my vet. Steve.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? I recall seeing a lungworm map online many months ago. The risk exists across most of England and Wales but was paticularly common in SW Wales. Check with the vets for the local situation (we're at Marlows tonight and will ask).
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? Thanks Phil, that's very kind of you! I assume that Holly has rather more refined tastes. Bleah. Hope all goes well for her this evening... Rosie
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? I do go with my vet's advice on this - but it's hard to find really good evidence on the number of cases in the UK. And I can't help but notice that all of the posters are sponsored by Bayer (the makers of advocate). Sigh....I still buy the product though.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? I'm in East Sussex & give Molly Advocate on vet's recommendation because she is liable to eat snails. In the late 80s / early 90s I had a cocker spaniel who regularly ate snails and came to no harm (I thought it was funny - not realising any danger) but my vet tells me that lungworm hadn't reached this country then. I hope not to have to dose Molly her whole life, just while she's a puppy.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? [quote author=JulieT link=topic=5657.msg71880#msg71880 date=1398781751] I do go with my vet's advice on this - but it's hard to find really good evidence on the number of cases in the UK. And I can't help but notice that all of the posters are sponsored by Bayer (the makers of advocate). Sigh....I still buy the product though. [/quote] There was a good update in The Veterinary Times of 21 April 2014 (last week) with a lovely map of the country showing where the confirmed cases hotspots are. This was using data from the manufacturers of the test kit which is used to diagnose lungworm, rather than just on Bayer's say-so (which I also find annoying). It's subscription only so I can't link it for you, but as virtually every vet in the country gets the Vet Times they should all be absolutely up-to-date with incidence rates in their area.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? I spoke with the vet tonight. His view was that lungworm is probably present all over the UK, but occurrence is fairly low. If a dog was eating snails (Pongo) then it is probably at a higher risk and the owner should consider Advocate. Most dog owners should not bother with it. He had a healthy skepticism about the Bayer adverts. It's in their interest to raise concerns, but experience suggests that ticks and fleas are more common causes of Illness than lungworms.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? [quote author=Lochan link=topic=5657.msg71905#msg71905 date=1398789495] [quote author=JulieT link=topic=5657.msg71880#msg71880 date=1398781751] I do go with my vet's advice on this - but it's hard to find really good evidence on the number of cases in the UK. And I can't help but notice that all of the posters are sponsored by Bayer (the makers of advocate). Sigh....I still buy the product though. [/quote] There was a good update in The Veterinary Times of 21 April 2014 (last week) with a lovely map of the country showing where the confirmed cases hotspots are. This was using data from the manufacturers of the test kit which is used to diagnose lungworm, rather than just on Bayer's say-so (which I also find annoying). It's subscription only so I can't link it for you, but as virtually every vet in the country gets the Vet Times they should all be absolutely up-to-date with incidence rates in their area. [/quote] Yes, of course it's also a mistake to assume that because a campaign has a drug company's brand on it, it's all a scam. My vet tells me the risk is high here, and sadly some dogs have died. For other things, they say the risk is low, and prescribe things less frequently than the drug company recommends. So, I reckon they are thinking about my dog, and the local risks, and giving the best advice they can. I'll stick with that advice.
Re: Eating snails - how worried should I be? Thanks for that, Phil - really appreciate it. Love to Ruth and Holly too Rosie
