Fatal dog lungworm case in Germany highlights CNS risk

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A new case report describes a six-year-old Labrador Retriever in Germany that died from disseminated angiostrongylosis caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum, with larvae found not only in the lungs, but also in the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and myocardium. The report adds to a small but important body of evidence showing that A. vasorum can extend beyond its usual cardiopulmonary presentation and involve the central nervous system, leading to sudden death. Earlier German case literature has also documented fatal disseminated infections with cerebral hemorrhage, and parasitology guidance from ESCCAP notes that neurological signs and sudden death can occur, even when respiratory signs are absent. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the main takeaway is diagnostic vigilance. Canine angiostrongylosis is still easy to miss because signs can be variable, including respiratory, cardiovascular, coagulopathic, and neurologic presentations. Prior reports have shown that fecal Baermann testing may be negative in some fatal cases, while broader reviews describe coagulopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and multifocal disease as part of the syndrome. That means A. vasorum should stay on the differential list for dogs with unexplained neurologic signs, bleeding tendencies, cardiopulmonary disease, or sudden collapse, particularly in endemic or expanding-risk areas of Europe such as Germany. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether this report prompts more emphasis on earlier testing, prevention, and broader differential workups for dogs with mixed respiratory-neurologic signs or unexplained sudden death. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)