Angiostrongylus vasorum infection was determined to be the underlying cause of four dogs’ acute neurological symptoms brought on by hemorrhages in the central nervous system. Three dogs—two with brain lesions, one with spinal cord lesions, and one with both brain and spinal cord lesions—presented with various types of lesions. Only two dogs showed overt clinical signs of hemorrhages, and only one dog presented with concurrent symptoms consistent with classical pulmonary angiostrongylosis (cough, respiratory distress). Results of coagulation assays were inconsistent. Seizures, various cranial nerve deficits, vestibular symptoms, proprioceptive deficits, ataxia, and paraplegia were among the neurological symptoms that reflected the location of the pathology. Three dogs had to be put down after receiving medical care but not improving, and one dog passed away. This highlights canine angiostrongylosis as a potential factor in fatal central nervous system lesions and the significance of A In Denmark, vasorum is used as a differential diagnosis in young dogs exhibiting acute neurological symptoms.
The French heartworm, also known as Angiostrongylus vasorum, is a nematode that is carried by gastropods and measures 13 to 21 millimeters in length. It is found in endemic regions of Europe [1–8], North and South America [9–12], and Uganda [13–14]. Canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis, or CPA, is a well-known cause of respiratory disease in endemic areas that affects young dogs and other canine species. g. The fox serves as the parasite’s primary host throughout its life cycle [1, 3, 15]. The canine host’s right cardiac ventricle and pulmonary arteries are where the adult worms are most commonly found, which causes a verminous pneumonia with obliterative thrombotic endarteritis and fibrosis [16]. Cough, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, and right sided heart failure are reported to be the main clinical symptoms, and they are all directly related to the respiratory system. Though they are also frequently reported, non-specific clinical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia are also present [3]. Also identified as potential side effects of the CPA complex are haemostasis disorders that cause severe hemorrhages [3, 15]. Although the precise pathophysiological mechanisms are still unknown [3, 15], chronic low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with associated consumption of both platelets and coagulation factors is the most frequently proposed [17, 18]. Immunemediated thrombocytopenia associated with A. Another theory for the origin of bleedings is vasorum infections [19] Prolongation of clotting times and decrease of coagulation factors, e. g. Although not consistently, reports of von Willebrand factor and factor V in naturally and experimentally infected animals exist [17, 20, 21].
Only a small percentage of CPA patients (about 4%) exhibit neurological symptoms [3, 15] The central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhages brought on by the parasitic-induced haemostatic disorder appear to be the main cause of acute neurological signs like ataxia, paresis, paralysis, or seizures [2, 22–25]. Germany [2] and the United Kingdom [20, 22, 23, 26] have both previously reported on this. However, it has also been documented that migratory larvae can specifically harm nervous tissue [25, 27]. A recent case report suggests that A. Vasorum may cause the CNS to respond in an inflammatory manner similar to meningitis or meningoencephalitis [28].
A median age of 10 to 18 months has been reported in earlier studies of populations of clinically affected CPA patients, including canines exhibiting neurological symptoms [15, 29]. Young dogs’ neurological symptoms frequently raise concerns about congenital or hereditary conditions or immune-mediated meningitis/meningo-encephalitis, whereas CPA is easily missed as a differential diagnosis, which could have fatal consequences for these young dogs.
Neurological cases of dogs with A. vasorum have not previously been reported from Denmark. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to highlight A Danish research suggests that acute neurological disease in dogs may be brought on by vasorum infections. We discuss the diagnosis, medical care, and prognosis of four dogs who had neurological symptoms brought on by CNS hemorrhages linked to haemostatic dysfunction in dogs infected with A. vasorum.
All cases were seen at the University of Copenhagen’s small animal hospital in Denmark. Additional file 1: Table S1 and Additional file 2: Table S2 provide a summary of the clinical information and blood test results.
A Welsh Corgi male who was 3 and a half years old and had severe ataxia that started suddenly just hours before admission was brought in as an emergency. A clinical examination revealed a bleeding wound in the tongue. Within six months of the acute neurological event, the dog had previously undergone testing for haemostatic dysfunction due to recurrent episodes of prolonged bleeding and subcutaneous hemorrhages. At the time, no underlying cause had been found, and no medical attention had been given.
The dog presented non-ambulatory, mentally depressed and with tonic-clonic seizures. All limbs were slightly hypertonic and there was spontaneous nystagmus that alternated between rotatory and vertical motion. Postural reactions were not tested as the dog was non-ambulatory. These results suggested cerebrocortical involvement in addition to one or more neurological lesions involving the vestibular system (central or peripheral) and/or the cerebellum.
The results of routine biochemistry showed hypercalcaemia and hyperglycemia, but other findings were consistent with normal references (additional file 2). Unfortunately, no haematology or coagulation tests were done at this time. Prior laboratory findings had shown normal platelet counts, slightly elevated coagulation times, as well as elevated D-dimers (8). 7) (additional file 2).
Although the underlying bleeding disorder had not been identified, a brain hemorrhage was thought to be the most likely cause of acute neurological disease due to a history of recurrent signs of haemostatic dysfunction. However, the hospital did not offer neuroimaging for additional diagnostic testing.
The dog was admitted to the hospital for supportive care (IV fluids and oxygen) and anticonvulsant therapy (IV diazepam, 3 mg/kg phenobarbitone administered 1 hour later). Unfortunately, the dog’s condition continued to worsen, and at the owners’ request, it was put to sleep that day.
Acute disseminated hemorrhages were seen during necropsy and histopathology of the brain (haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)), with larger solitary bleedings found in the right part of the cerebellum, the left caudate nucleus, and the internal capsule. Acute malacic foci, foci of glial cells, oedema, and capillary/venule proliferation were also seen throughout the brain, including the cerebral cortex. There was also some mild cuffing and meningeal infiltrates of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Additionally, a larval granuloma was recorded in the encephalon.
In the lungs, multiple adult A. It was acknowledged that pulmonary artery thrombosis and intimal layer proliferation were caused by vasorum worms. Throughout the lung tissue, there were interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and granulomas with infiltrating macrophages as the predominant cell type and a central content of eggs or larvae.
With a two-week history of respiratory symptoms, such as tachypnea and coughs, and an acute onset of tonic-clonic seizures with reduced consciousness 24 hours prior to presentation, an 11-month-old male Basset Hound was referred as an emergency.
When the dog was first seen, it had severe respiratory symptoms, was non-ambulatory tetraparetic, and was mentally depressed. Rapid neurological signs progression resulted in the dog being semi-comatic, without pupillary light reflexes (PLR), and having anisocoria a few hours after presentation. Seizures in the past and rapidly advancing mental changes led doctors to suspect cerebrocortical pathology, which could also affect the brain stem.
Thoracic radiographs showed caudal lung lobe focal lung pathology that could indicate A vasorum infection. An examination of a feces sample containing numerous L1 larvae confirmed the diagnosis. A reduced packed cell volume (PCV) of 0 was found during routine haematology. 33 and a platelet count of 97 × 109/L. Prothrombin time (PT), D-dimer, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were all within normal ranges (additional file 2). Although there were no obvious bleedings, the diagnosis of severe pulmonary angiostrongylosis and thrombocytopenia made a CNS hemorrhage seem likely. The owner thought about being intoxicated, but it was highly unlikely. Intensive supportive medical care and imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2. 5% (Advocate spot-on) at 0. 1 ml/kg were implemented, but the dog deteriorated and passed away shortly after being brought to the hospital.
On the left side of the thorax, a subcutaneous hemorrhage measuring 10 to 20 centimeters was found during necropsy. In the left cerebral hemisphere, a haematoma, 2. Figure 1 shows a growth into the left lateral ventricle that was 5 centimeters in diameter. As shown by Masson trichrome staining, histopathology (H&E) of the region surrounding the cerebral hemotatoma revealed the presence of gitter cells and changes consistent with granulation tissue, including proliferated fusiforme cells, capillaries/venules, and collagen (Figure 2). In the brain, there were also a number of acute microscopic hemorrhages. Additionally, foci of gitter and glial cells as well as acute malacic foci were found. The Perls Prussian Blue stain revealed that gitter cells (macrophages) occasionally contained haemosiderin (Figure 3). Along with dense focal infiltrates of neutrophils (lack of eosinophilic granules by Luna staining), moderate cuffing and meningeal infiltrates of macrophages, lymphocytes/plasma cells, and neutrophils were also found.
Transverse section cerebrum at the level of hippocampus, case 2. A haematoma, 2. It is visible in the left cerebral hemisphere and is 5 centimeters in diameter, compressing the nearby brain tissue.
Histological section of the brain, case 2. Fusiforme cell proliferation (arrows) and collagen production (blue arrowheads) are signs of peripheral fibroplasia in a hemotome (H). Masson trichrome. Bar = 100 μm.
Histological section of the brain, case 2. Gitter cells (macrophages) (arrows) containing haemosiderin (blue). Perls Prussian Blue stain. Bar = 100 μm.
A single adult A. vasorum was present in the right cardiac ventricle (Figure 4). Lung histopathological findings were similar to case 1’s description. However, acute hemorrhages were also noted alongside the chronic lung lesions.
A Danish/Swedish farmdog that was seven months old and suffering from progressive ataxia and 24-hour-long mucosal membrane petechiae was referred. A diagnosis of A. A 24-hour-preceding faeces smear by the neighborhood veterinarian had already established vasorum. The dog was alert but non-ambulatory, paraplegic, and in pain when it was presented. Scleras, as well as the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, all had petechial hemorrhages. The neurological examination revealed no cranial nerve deficits. The pelvic limbs were paralyzed in a bilateral flaccid fashion, and both thoracic limbs were hypertonic. The pelvic limbs lacked proprioceptive placing reactions, whereas they were present in the thoracic limbs. The perineal reflex was still present, but the patellar and withdrawal reflexes were bilaterally absent in the pelvic limbs. Cutaneous trunci reflex was normal. A T3-L3 lesion was suspected, and neurological symptoms that were consistent with Schiff-Sherrington syndrome appeared. A second lesion in the lumbosacral plexus (L4-S2) could have caused lower motor neuron signs of the pelvic limbs, while a lesion cranial to C6 could have caused upper motor neuron signs of the thoracic limbs. However, because the cutaneous trunci lesion in the T3-L3 region was normal, multifocal disease was considered.
Thoracic radiographs showed a diffuse interstitial lung pattern. Haematology revealed a decrease in PCV (0. 34), thrombocytopenia (103 × 109/L), and increased D-dimers (2. 0). Prothrombin time was prolonged (9. 1) but APTT was only mildly increased (10. 9) (additional file 2). The neurological symptoms were strongly suspected to be caused by acute CNS hemorrhages based on the clinical findings of scleral and mucosal membrane hemorrhages. Based on previous experiences, A. Although other conditions like von Willebrand deficiency and acute warfarin poisoning were also taken into consideration, vasorum was thought to be a likely cause of haemostatic dysfunction. Despite intensive treatment with intravenous fluids, plasma transfusion, fenbendazole (20 mg/kg once daily (SID)), methadone, and intravenous prednisolone acetate (1 mg/kg SID), the dog showed no signs of improvement. Therefore, following two days in the hospital, at the owners’ request, it was put to sleep.
A haematoma was discovered intramedullary during the necropsy in the caudal region of the spinal cord. Multiple acute focal hemorrhages, mostly in the left cerebral hemisphere, were also detected in the CNS by histopathology (H&E). On rare occasions, acute malacic foci, gitter and glial cell foci, oedema, and capillary/venule proliferation were seen. There was also some mild cuffing and meningeal infiltrates of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The lungs’ histopathological results were similar to those of case 1 (Figure 5).
Histological section of the lungs, case 3. Adult Angiostrongylus vasorum in a pulmonary artery that has thrombosed (T) Haematoxylin and eosin. Bar = 200 μm.
A female Labrador-Cross puppy aged 10 months was referred for examination due to rapidly progressing pelvic limb paresis and four-day-old lumbosacral pain.
Immediately after admission, the dog underwent a neurological examination and was found to be awake but unable to bear weight on its pelvic limbs. The thoracic limb reflexes and reactions were normal, and there were no cranial nerve deficits. Proprioceptive placing reactions were bilaterally absent in the pelvic limbs. The perineal reflex was normal, but there were no patellar reflexes and fewer withdrawal reflexes. In the lumbar region, there was a slight reduction in the cutaneous trunci reflex. While in the hospital, the dog’s neurological condition gradually deteriorated, leading to the complete loss of withdrawal reflexes and voluntary movement of the pelvic limbs. Deep pain perception and some voluntary movement were initially preserved. An L4–S2 spinal cord lesion was suspected based on the neurological findings. A diffuse pattern of interstitial and peribronchial hyperdensity was seen on thoracic radiographs. Blood analysis revealed a slightly decreased PCV (0. 35), 145 109/L of mild thrombocytopenia, 72 of hyperglobulinemia, and 0 of slightly elevated D-dimers 6 mg/L) (Additional file 2: Table S2). A magnetic resonance imaging scan (Esaote vetscan 0. 2 tesla) in transverse and sagittal planes with T1- and T2-weighted s (WI) of the lumbosacral region. Contrast was not administered. A hypointense area was seen subdurally at the level of vertebrae L4-L6 on T1 weighted images (T1-WI), lateralized to the right and compressing the spinal cord towards the left (Figure 6). On T2 weighted scan (T2-WI), the same finding showed iso- to hyperintense signals. An area of hyperintense swelling on T2 was caudal to this (Figure 7). These results were thought to be consistent with an acute hemorrhage with localized peripheral oedema. A Baermann test was accordingly performed revealing multiple A. vasorum larvae.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spinal cord, case 4. A hypointense area (arrow) is visible on a transverse T1-weighted spinal cord image at the level of vertebrae L5, lateralized to the right and compressing the spinal cord towards the left.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral area, case 4. An area of the lumbosacral spinal cord that is hyperintense and consistent with oedema caudal to the suspected hemorrhage is shown on a sagittal T2 weighted image (arrow).
Given the possibility of serious hemorrhages, surgical spinal cord decompression at L4–L6 was considered, but it did not seem like a practical option. Plasma transfusions, fenbendazole at 20 mg/kg SID, prednisolone at 1 mg/kg SID for three days, methadone, and physiotherapy for six days were used to treat the dog medically. However, the dog was put down at the owners’ request because there was no sign of improvement in his neurological condition.
At the level of the caudal lumbar segments, an acute intramedullary hemorrhage was discovered during necropsy. Histopathology (H&E) also discovered several microscopic hemorrhages in the spinal cord. Acute malacic foci, gitter and glial cell foci, and capillary/venule proliferation have all been observed on occasion. Neutrophils were also found in dense focal infiltrates, with moderate cuffing (macrophages, lymphocytes/plasma cells, and neutrophils) and the absence of eosinophilic granules by Luna staining. The lungs’ histopathological results were similar to those of the earlier cases. Within a small vessel in the kidney, a larva without any signs of inflammation was visible.
In Denmark and the UK, where CPA is endemic, the disease is frequently diagnosed and primarily manifests as a respiratory illness [3, 15]. All of the patients in the study’s included cases had neurological signs as their main complaint, which were brought on by one or more CNS hemorrhages brought on by haemostatic dysfunction brought on by A. vasorum and/or evidence of aberrant larvae. This highlights CPA as a crucial differential diagnosis for dogs exhibiting neurological symptoms with an unknown etiology. Dogs rarely experience acute non-traumatic brain hemorrhages [30], and A Therefore, in endemic areas, the underlying cause of brain hemorrhages should be strongly suspected to be vasorum. CPA is more frequently observed in young dogs [3, 15] compared to ischaemic stroke, which occurs more frequently and may exhibit comparable neurological signs [3, 15]. The average age of dogs reported to have ischaemic stroke is 8 years old. 4-8. 9 years [31, 32]. According to earlier studies of dogs naturally infected with A, the median age of the dogs in the current study was 17 months, with the mean age of the dogs being 10 months. vasorum[3, 15]. The present study furthermore confirms haemorrhages due to A. As previously reported [23, 33], vasorum is a crucial differential diagnosis for acute disc disease and fibrocartilaginous embolization in dogs with acute spinal cord disease in endemic areas.
Only two dogs (cases 1 and 3) had outward indications of an ongoing bleeding disorder, and only one dog (case 2) displayed respiratory signs as part of the clinical pattern. While one of these dogs (case 1) primarily displayed haematomas, a typical clinical sign associated with coagulopathies, another dog (case 3) displayed mucosal petecchiation, a symptom frequently linked to disorders of primary haemostasis like thrombocytopenia. Therefore, in dogs with acute neurological disease, CPA may be overlooked as the underlying aetiology due to the absence of classic respiratory signs or overt clinical signs of hemorrhages.
As opposed to dogs mildly to moderately infected (i. e. The prognosis of CPA should be guarded when complicated by haemostatic dysfunction and even more so when the condition results in severe neurological deficits, as opposed to conditions where survival is nearly 100% [3, 15], in which there are no signs of coagulopathy or neurological disease. This can also be understood from a review of neurological cases, where 11 out of 17 (or 65%) patients passed away despite A being identified and treated. The majority of cases were vasorum [2, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 33, 34]. The CNS is heavily dependent on continuous supplies of oxygen and glucose, making a compromised blood supply to the area involved and direct physical compression brought on by a haematoma highly susceptible to irreversible damage. Furthermore, if ongoing haemostatic dysfunction is not properly treated with blood component therapy, such as fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate, any attempt at surgical decompression or evacuation of the haematoma is severely complicated [35].
According to the laboratory analysis in the current report, all of the patients experienced haemostatic dysfunction due to the parasitic infection, and all of them died. In 2000, when CPA was largely unknown in Denmark, Case 1 was observed. When the dog first presented with subcutaneous hemorrhages only, CPA should have been thought of as the underlying aetiology of the coagulopathy, looking back. At this early stage, the likelihood of a successful treatment had probably been high.
In case 2, despite receiving the necessary diagnostic testing and treatment, the dog started to deteriorate quickly after admission. The dog appeared to have severe consumptive coagulopathy that was resistant to medical treatment due to thrombocytopenia, a low fibrinogen level, a prolonged APTT, and an increase in D-dimers, underscoring the serious complications of A. vasorum infections [36]. Acute neurological symptoms were not noticed until the day before submission, but chronic histopathological changes in this case showed that the cerebral haematoma had been present for 7–10 days. This highlights the significance of A early detection and treatment vasorum in dogs displaying other signs of CPA e. g. respiratory disease as in the present case.
Although the neurological condition brought on by CPA in cases 3 and 4 did not appear to be fatal, the dogs were still put down because in both cases the prognosis for full recovery and ambulation was uncertain. Because of the severe and permanent disabilities the hemorrhage has caused, euthanasia may be justified even though death may not occur as a direct result of the hemorrhage.
On haematology, cases 2-4 presented with anaemia and thrombocytopenia. However, they have been reported in a number of neurological patients with haemostatic dysfunction [2, 22] and in the study of experimentally infected dogs by Cury and others [17]. These results diverge from those found in the majority of mildly to moderately affected CPA patients [15, 37]. Unfortunately, no haematology or coagulation tests were done during case 1’s final consultation.
Contrary to the findings of Cury and others [17] and Chapman and others [15], all cases’ eosinophilic counts were within normal ranges. Despite the fact that an eosinophilic response is typical of parasitic diseases [38], some studies claim that eosinophilia is less common in A vasorum cases. This is because only 21% of the dogs had eosinophilia at the time of diagnosis, according to Willesen and colleagues [37]. Additionally, the histopathology of the current cases showed that there was no eosinophilia, which is consistent with earlier reports of no or very mild eosinophilia [2, 27]. Although the precise causes of this lack of an eosinophilic response are still unknown, they have been linked to either chronic or low-grade infections [39, 40].
When cases 2-4 presented as neurological emergencies, D-dimers were examined; they had already been tested in case 1, and they were found to be elevated in all cases. It is well known that a normal D-dimer level is a helpful marker when DIC, pulmonary thromboembolism, and deep vein thrombosis are ruled out [36, 41]. Because of the elevated D-dimers discovered, DIC cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor to the underlying mechanism of A. vasorum induced coagulopathies.
In three cases, biochemistry showed elevated bilirubin levels, but other results were normal. In the absence of elevated liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinaemia in these suspected DIC patients may be brought on by increased hemolysis. In general, this study did not support earlier reports that CPA had elevated serum globulin and decreased serum fructosamine levels [15, 37, 42]. Comparatively, only one case (case 4) (25%) had hyperglobulinaemia, as opposed to Chapman and colleagues’ findings, which showed that 70% of patients had elevated serum globulin levels [15]. Hypercalcaemia was found in cases 1 and 3. It has been suggested that this finding, which has previously been reported in connection with Angiostrongylus infections in dogs, is the result of granulomatous disease [43]. Changes in calcium levels with antiparasitic treatment could not be monitored because all of the dogs in the current study passed away.
This report of four dogs infected with A. vasorum documents the importance of A. In Denmark, young dogs with acute neurological symptoms of unknown etiology should be evaluated for vasorum infection. The identification of A. Vasorum as the underlying cause of a primary presentation of neurological disease is complicated by the possibility that dogs do not exhibit either the traditional respiratory signs of CPA or visible clinical signs of haemostatic dysfunction.
We advise performing a Baermann test on any dog exhibiting unexplained neurological symptoms in endemic areas. Due to the intermittent shedding of A. To increase the sensitivity of the test for vasorum larvae, we advise testing feces samples from three consecutive days.
We gratefully acknowledge Ulrik Westrup (DVM, ECVDI Resident, University of Copenhagen) for the MRI analyses in case 4.
HG oversaw the investigation, organized the data gathering for the four cases, and was primarily in charge of writing the report. JLW participated in the study’s design, wrote the introduction and discussion, and provided significant information on all cases. ATK provided ideas for the study’s design and in-depth knowledge of canine hemodynamic dysfunction. vasorum. JK contributed with data on all cases. All cases’ post-mortem examinations, histopathological investigations, and this section of the manuscript were completed by HEJ, OLN, RKK, and SEP. GCS assisted with the manuscript’s drafting and provided background data on angiostrongylosis in the UK. The overall study was carried out by MB, who also provided data for cases 1-4 and assisted with the manuscript’s drafting.
Table S1 provides a summary of the clinical symptoms and signalment in 4 dogs who had CNS hemorrhages related to A vasorum. (DOC 34 KB).
File 2: Table S2: Selected blood results for 4 dogs with A diagnosis vasorum. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and packed cell volume (PCV) (individual references in brackets) Pool = internal reference value (DOC 60 KB).
Treatment of Brain Parasites in Dogs
Medications
If your dog’s condition is considered to be treatable, your veterinarian may recommend a medication to treat the parasites. Fenbendazole, ivermectin, or thiabendazole are medications that may be helpful in mild cases of parasitic encephalitis. Your veterinarian will select the best treatment option for your beloved dog based on the specific diagnosis and the type of parasite involved.
Anti-Seizure Drugs
If your dog has seizures, additional medications might be prescribed. Medications include diazepam or phenobarbital. A steroid may be administered to your dog if there is a lot of inflammation in order to reduce any swelling.
Worried about the cost of Brain Parasites treatment?
Many common pet health conditions are covered by pet insurance. Get a quote from top pet insurance companies to be prepared for the unexpected.
Symptoms of Brain Parasites in Dogs
Brain parasites can cause your dog to exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Depending on how long he has been infected, they could be anything from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
Types
A number of different parasite species can harm your dog’s central nervous system by infesting its brain and spinal cord. Different brain parasites include:
How do dogs get brain infections?
According to Webb and Muir (2000), bacterial encephalitis in dogs typically results from the direct spread of a non-CNS infection from the lung or from splenic abscesses, ear infections, urinary infections, vertebral osteomyelitis, and sinusitis.
FAQ
What causes sudden neurological issues in a dog?
First, they might be brought on by an issue like low blood sugar or a calcium deficiency. The canine neurologist would take blood tests to identify this. Second, brain infections or tumors may be the source of the seizures. A third cause could be epilepsy.
Can parasites cause neurological problems?
Many times, parasitic infections of the CNS are “silent,” exhibiting only the standard neurological symptoms (e g. long after the initial invasion of the brain and, crucially, after significant, sometimes irreversible damage has taken place (headache, seizures, coma).
What happens when a dog has worms for a long time?
Worms can harm your dog’s internal organs, cause unconsciousness, and even cause death if they are not treated. Take your dog to the closest veterinary facility if you believe it may have worms. The majority of intestinal worms are easily treated, and a medication will be recommended by your veterinarian based on the diagnosis.
What attacks a dog’s neurological system?
- Distemper: A highly contagious virus that damages the skin and brain cells in dogs
- Another virus that affects your dog’s nervous system is rabies, which can be acquired through animal bites.