QuestionI am a recently certified CVT, and new hire at my current clinic, and I performed a fecal analysis on an older Pomeranian with moderate dyspnea, mild cyanosis, and general respiratory insufficiency. I am certain I identified what appear to be Filaroides larva in a direct examination. I am 100% certain of my conclusion. The dog was diagnosed with collapsing trachea. Can both exist simultaneously? Is there a diagnostic way to prove to my DVM of my conclusion? Thank you for any assistance you can give me.
AnswerAndrew -
The two conditions you describe can exist simultaneously. A lungworm has absolutely nothing to do with a collapsing trachea. The dog can have both a collapsing trachea and a lungworm. I believe you can do a tracheal wash to identify the lungworm if you obtain the eggs in the contents retrieved from the procedure. Don't quote me on that, but I am pretty sure there is a chance you might get larvae.
A parasitology book can better direct you to the diagnosing and detection of the lungworm.
Best regards,
Charlotte Sherrell, DVM