Why Does Lungworm Cause Bleeding?

The adult worms in the blood vessels and heart can cause heart failure but also produce a substance to stop the blood clotting. This can cause your dog to bleed, with or without an injury. The bleeding can take place inside the body and may affect the brain or eyes resulting in seizures or blindness.

Does lungworm cause anemia?

Lungworm can also interfere with blood clotting. This can cause excessive bleeding from small wounds, the dog having nose bleeds, bleeding into the eyes and anaemia (low red blood cells) which shows as pale membranes in the eyes and gums.

What are the effects of lungworm?

What are the effects of lungworm? After infection, lungworm usually causes progressively worsening signs of cardiac and respiratory disease, such as coughing (often at 'extremes' of exercise); as well as causing bleeding in the lungs, liver, intestine, eyes, and spinal cord, but also pretty much anywhere in the body.