Cytology Q&A 05

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A two-year-old DSH cat presented with a history of coughing and gagging that appeared progressive and worsening in intensity. The cat was up-to-date on all vaccinations. A CBC with differential revealed a modest eosinophilia; there were no biochemical abnormalities. Thoracic radiographs revealed a diffuse interstitial pattern with focal peribronchial densities. A transtracheal wash was performed (Wright–Giemsa, ×10 and ×50 oil, respectively).

Question	Answer		Article
What are the main differentials with this pulmonary pattern and peripheral eosinophilia?	Differentials include migration of intestinal parasites, lungworm infection and allergic pneumonitis. The lungworm in cats is Aleurostronglylus abstrusus and the intermediate hosts are snails and slugs. The disease process is often self-limiting, although some cats do require therapy. Literature reports on the use of ivermectin and fenbendazole are available. This cat was an indoor-outdoor cat that had been missing for one week, eight weeks prior to developing the cough. The prepatent period for A. abstrusus infection is 6–18 weeks.		Link to Article