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Aelurostrongylosis (view source)

Revision as of 15:15, 2 August 2011

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Caused by: [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]
 
Caused by: [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]
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==Introduction==
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Aelurostrongylosis is the disease caused by the cat lungworm [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]], which is found in many parts of Europe, the USA and Australia.
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*Often asymptomatic; serious respiratory problems usually due to deficient immunity.
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==Clinical signs==
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*Prognosis poor.
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The disease is often '''asymptomatic''', and serious respiratory problems usually occur due to a deficient immunity, following FIV infection for example.
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*Post mortem examination reveals greenish nodules in lungs.
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*Histopathology diferentiates these from tuberculosis.
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*Infections often asymptomatic, but can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in immunocompromised cats.
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Respiratory signs are usually '''progressive and worstening'''. Heavy infections can cause '''severe bronchopneumonia''', with cats presenting with '''open-mouth breathing''' and abdominal effort.
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Fenbendazole is licensed for treatment.
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There might also be '''coughing and sneezing''' and systemic signs such as '''anorexia, lethargy and wasting'''.
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*Live in lung parenchyma and [[Bronchitis#Infectious causes of bronchitis or bronchiolitis|small bronchioles]]
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==Diagnosis==
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*Grossly:
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'''Radiography''' may reveal a diffuse interstitial pattern with focal peribronchial densities. An alveolar pattern may appear in severe cases.
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**Firm yellow nodules scattered throughout parenchyma, more frequently at periphery
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*Microscopically:
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**Eggs and larvae in the alveolar spaces cause a foreign body type reaction (surrounded by mononuclear cells and giant cells)
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**Submucosal gland hypertrophy and smooth muscle hypertrophy in airway and vessel walls
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*Associated clinical signs are mild although heavy infestations may -> chronic coughing
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*The airway eosinophilia which may be detected can be confused with a diagnosis of asthma
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'''Bronchial lavage''' may reveal characteristic coiled larvae with an undulating tail and spine and eosinophilic inflammation.
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[[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]
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'''Haematology''' may reveal eosinophilia.
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'''Post mortem examination''' may reveal greenish nodules in the lungs.
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Microscopically, eggs and larvae in the alveolar spaces cause a foreign body type reaction (surrounded by mononuclear cells and giant cells). There is submucosal gland hypertrophy and smooth muscle hypertrophy in airway and vessel walls.
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==Treatment and prevention==
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Treatment is difficult and '''not often necessary''' unless the cat is showing clinical signs, as the disease is usually self-limiting.
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'''Fenbendazole''' for 21 consecutive days is usually effective. Ivermectin has also been used in some cases.
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'''Control''' is by prevention of hunting by cats.
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==References==
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Merck and Co (2008) '''Merck veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
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Bowman, D. (2002) '''Feline Clinical Parasitology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
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[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
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[[Category:To Do - Review]]
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[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]
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