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− | Caused by: [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]] | + | Caused by: '''''[[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]''''' |
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| ==Introduction== | | ==Introduction== |
− | Aelurostrongylosis is the disease caused by the cat lungworm [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]], which is found in many parts of Europe, the USA and Australia. | + | 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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− | ==Clinical signs== | + | ==Clinical Signs== |
− | The disease is often '''asymptomatic''', and serious respiratory problems usually occur due to a deficient immunity, following FIV infection for example. | + | 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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| Respiratory signs are usually '''progressive and worstening'''. Heavy infections can cause '''severe bronchopneumonia''', with cats presenting with '''open-mouth breathing''' and abdominal effort. | | 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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| '''Bronchial lavage''' may reveal characteristic coiled larvae with an undulating tail and spine and eosinophilic inflammation. | | '''Bronchial lavage''' may reveal characteristic coiled larvae with an undulating tail and spine and eosinophilic inflammation. |
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− | '''Haematology''' may reveal eosinophilia. | + | '''Haematology''' may reveal [[eosinophilia]]. |
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| '''Post mortem examination''' may reveal greenish nodules in the lungs. | | '''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. | | 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== | + | ==Treatment and Prevention== |
| Treatment is difficult and '''not often necessary''' unless the cat is showing clinical signs, as the disease is usually self-limiting. | | 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. | | '''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. | + | '''Control''' is only by prevention of hunting by cats. |
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| {{Learning | | {{Learning |
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− | [[Category:To Do - Helen]]
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− | [[Category:To Do - Review]]
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| + | {{review}} |
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| + | [[Category:Expert Review]] |
| [[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] | | [[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] |