In a world first, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has unveiled a breakthrough in the detection of the lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, in dogs. The launch of the diagnostic IDEXX Angio Detect™ Test will, for the first time, allow veterinary surgeons to detect the parasite in-clinic, with almost immediate results. Previously, the veterinary profession have relied on the Baermann method to detect A. vasorum, which can present with varied and confusing clinical symptoms. The Baermann test has had limited utility as it requires faecal samples from the same dog being collected on three successive days, and the results can be compromised by the intermittent shedding of larvae. This leads many experts to believe that A. vasorum is widely under-diagnosed. The Angio Detect Test is a novel diagnostic approach that works by detecting an A. vasorum specific antigen in the animal’s blood. The test can be used in-clinic using a simple serum or plasma sample and returns results within 15 minutes. Following a positive diagnosis, it is recommended that an approved treatment, such as Bayer’s Advocate®, is administered. In the case of a negative result, dog owners should be reminded of the risk of the disease and the importance of ongoing prevention. As the test is inexpensive, it can be used for the diagnosis of A. vasorum suspect dogs, and those with non-specific signs, and in endemic areas, it can be considered as an additional pre-surgical measure to avoid complications associated with coagulopathy. Indeed, market research confirmed the utility of this new test revealing that 94 per cent of veterinary surgeons would use the test in dogs presenting A. vasorum signs. This test comes at a time when concern about A. vasorum is high with a recent survey of 150 veterinary practices across the UK recording a total of 952 suspected cases (157 laboratory confirmed), with 81 deaths thought to have been caused by the parasite.2 Bayer Animal Health’s ‘Be Lungworm Aware’ campaign has helped to raise awareness of this threat, with cases of A. vasorum being regularly reported by practice staff to their Bayer territory managers. The Angio Detect Test will only help to improve this picture, as confirmed cases are logged onto incidence maps so vets can check prevalence in their area. Ian Wright from the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) comments: ‘In recent years, there has been spread of the A. vasorum parasite across the UK with cases now being reported as far north as Scotland. It was initially thought this may be due to increased reporting rather than genuine spread, but this pattern in the UK has been mirrored in many other countries and would appear to represent a true emergence of disease. Although the cause of this spread is not known for certain, increasing slug and snail numbers combined with increased pet movement and urbanisation of foxes are all likely to have played a significant part. These factors make A. vasorum a year round rather than seasonal threat. ‘Any new diagnostic test that can quickly confirm a case of lungworm is a fantastic development and will help save dogs’ lives and give us even greater insight into the extent of the spread of the parasite.’ Graham Bilbrough, veterinary surgeon and European medical affairs manager for IDEXX Laboratories, comments: ‘Up until now, testing methods have been time consuming to the client and costly, so the launch of the Angio Detect Test, together with recognition of clinical signs and early treatment will really help to prevent A. vasorum related fatalities in dogs. We also know that some dogs have subclinical angiostrongylosis, and this new test will help uncover this hidden problem before the surgical blade makes a cut. Difficulties in diagnosis have also meant that the full prevalence of A. vasorum in the UK has been relatively unknown. This test will allow veterinary surgeons to quickly identify the parasite and treat it if found.They shouldn’t forget that other dogs in the household and the area are also at particular risk from the parasite.’ Caroline Braidwood, Group Product Manager from Bayer Animal Health, comments: ‘This test is a real breakthrough in the diagnosis of A. vasorum. We are hearing of more and more cases, some exceptionally sad, and whilst lungworm is a real threat to dogs, clients should also be aware of all the other parasites their pets can be at risk from. Veterinary surgeons can direct their clients to www.itsajungle.co.uk where they can find lots of useful information on lungworm and other parasites.’ The Angio Detect Test is available now in the UK, and will be launched in other European countries later this year. For more information on the test, visit www.idexx.co.uk/angio or speak to your IDEXX sales representative. For further information and free CPD on A. vasorum and other parasites, visit www.jungleforvets.co.uk or speak to your Bayer territory manager. IDEXX Laboratories has unveiled the Angio Detect Test, a world-first diagnostic test which allows veterinary surgeons to detect the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum in clinic, with almost immediate results.

Until now, vets have had to rely on the Baermann method to detect A. vasorum, which can present with varied and confusing clinical symptoms. However, the Baermann test has had limited use because it requires faecal samples from the same dog to be collected on three successive days, and the results can be compromised by the intermittent shedding of larvae. IDEXX says this leads many experts to believe that A. vasorum is widely under-diagnosed.

The Angio Detect Test works by detecting an A. vasorum specific antigen in the animal's blood. The test can be used in-clinic using a serum or plasma sample and returns results within 15 minutes. Depending on results, you can offer a licensed treatment or talk about a preventative treatment regime and refer the client to a source of further information, such as lungworm.co.uk.

IDEXX suggests that because the test is inexpensive, it can be used for the diagnosis of A. vasorum suspect dogs and in those with non-specific signs. Indeed, in market research1, 94% of veterinary surgeons said they would use the test in dogs presenting with A. vasorum signs.

In endemic areas, it can be considered as an additional pre-surgical measure to avoid complications associated with coagulopathy. 

This test comes at a time when concern about A. vasorum has been growing. A survey of 150 veterinary practices across the UK in January 2013 recorded a total of 952 suspected cases (157 laboratory confirmed), with 81 deaths thought to have been caused by the parasite2. The Angio Detect Test should help to improve the picture, as confirmed cases are logged onto incidence maps so vets can check prevalence in their area.

Ian Wright from the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) said: "In recent years, there has been spread of the A. vasorum parasite across the UK with cases now being reported as far north as Scotland. It was initially thought this may be due to increased reporting rather than genuine spread, but this pattern in the UK has been mirrored in many other countries and would appear to represent a true emergence of disease. Although the cause of this spread is not known for certain, increasing slug and snail numbers combined with increased pet movement and urbanisation of foxes are all likely to have played a significant part. These factors make A. vasorum a year round rather than seasonal threat. 

"Any new diagnostic test that can quickly confirm a case of lungworm is a fantastic development and will help save dogs' lives and give us even greater insight into the extent of the spread of the parasite."

Graham Bilbrough, veterinary surgeon and European medical affairs manager for IDEXX Laboratories, said: "Up until now, testing methods have been time consuming to the client and costly, so the launch of the Angio Detect Test, together with recognition of clinical signs and early treatment will really help to prevent A. vasorum related fatalities in dogs. We also know that some dogs have subclinical angiostrongylosis, and this new test will help uncover this hidden problem before the surgical blade makes a cut. Difficulties in diagnosis have also meant that the full prevalence of A. vasorum in the UK has been relatively unknown. This test will allow veterinary surgeons to quickly identify the parasite and treat it if found. They shouldn't forget that other dogs in the household and the area are also at particular risk from the parasite."

The Angio Detect Test is available now in the UK, and will be launched in other European countries later this year. For more information on the test, visit www.idexx.co.uk/angio or speak to your IDEXX sales representative. For further information and free CPD on A. vasorum and other parasites, visit www.jungleforvets.co.uk or speak to your Bayer territory manager.

References

  1. Focus group research and quantative market research comissioned by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. April and March 2013.
  2. Survey of 150 veterinary practices conducted by Opinion Matters, January 2013.

 

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