DOG owners and walkers have been warned against a potentially fatal parasite as an interactive map has revealed where cases have been reported so far.
More than 50 cases of the highly-dangerous lungworm have been reported across Berkshire, according to My Pet & I.
The parasite, which causes several symptoms and requires immediate veterinary assistance, is contracted when a dog consumers slugs or snails.
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We look at the My Pet & I website to see how many cases there are in Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Slough and the Royal Borough.
The site reported there are 1,667 cases within a 50 mile radius of Reading.
What is lungworm?
The map has been created due to the sheer seriousness lungworm can present if not treated in a timely manner.
Officially known as Angiostrongylus vasorum, the parasite can cause severe illness among dogs, eventually leading to death if not caught in time.
The PDSA has said that despite its name, the parasite travels around the whole body and cause breathing difficuties, heart failure, seizures and bleeding disorders.
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What are the symptoms?
The common symptons include the following:
- Coughing
- Breathing problems (fast, heavy, noisy)
- Weight loss
- Unexplained bruising and bleeding
- Seizures
- Collapse and shock
- Blindness
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