Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 6/27/2009

Question
I 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.

Answer
Andrew -

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