lungworm
LowTechnical/Scientific, Veterinary
Definition
Meaning
A parasitic nematode worm that inhabits the lungs and airways of animals.
Specifically refers to parasitic worms of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea or family Dictyocaulidae, which cause respiratory diseases (e.g., parasitic bronchitis, verminous pneumonia) in mammals such as dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and deer.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound noun ('lung' + 'worm'). The meaning is entirely denotative and technical; it refers to a specific biological/parasitic entity. No figurative or abstract meanings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'paralyse' vs. 'paralyze').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in veterinary and agricultural contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in veterinary, agricultural, or wildlife contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[animal] + has/contracts/suffers from + lungwormto treat/prevent/diagnose + lungworman outbreak/infestation of lungwormVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Very rare; only in veterinary pharmaceutical or pet insurance contexts.
Academic
Used in veterinary science, parasitology, zoology, and agriculture papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used primarily by pet owners, farmers, or veterinarians discussing animal health.
Technical
The primary register. Specific in veterinary medicine and parasitology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The herd was lungwormed last autumn.
- We need to lungworm the puppies.
American English
- The herd was treated for lungworm last fall.
- We need to medicate the puppies for lungworm.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The lungworm treatment is effective.
- A lungworm prevention programme is essential.
American English
- The lungworm medication is effective.
- A lungworm prevention program is essential.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The vet said my dog has lungworm.
- Lungworm can be very dangerous for cats and dogs.
- The farmer treated his cattle for lungworm.
- The primary symptom of a lungworm infection is a persistent cough.
- Preventative monthly spot-on treatments are available for canine lungworm.
- The lifecycle of the lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, involves slugs and snails as intermediate hosts.
- Widespread lungworm infestations in deer populations can significantly impact herd health and dynamics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WORM that makes its home in the LUNG.
Conceptual Metaphor
Parasite as invader/infestation.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation that might suggest a worm *made of* lung tissue (e.g., 'легочный червь' is correct, 'лёгочник' is incorrect).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'lung worm' (two words). In non-technical contexts, confusing it with general 'worms' or intestinal parasites.
Practice
Quiz
Which animal is a common definitive host for specific species of lungworm?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is very rare and typically caused by different species (e.g., Paragonimus, rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis) through consuming undercooked shellfish or contaminated produce. It is not the same as common pet lungworm.
It is treated with prescription anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) medications prescribed by a veterinarian, such as fenbendazole, moxidectin, or milbemycin oxime.
Signs can include persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, and in severe cases, bleeding disorders or neurological signs.
No, it is not directly contagious. Infection typically occurs from a pet eating (or licking) slugs, snails, or frogs which carry the larvae, or from their slime trails.