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''Toxocara cati'' is a [[Nematodes|nematode]] of the superfamily ''[[Ascaridoidea]]''. ''T. cati'' is found '''worldwide''', and can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal problems in infected hosts.
''Toxocara cati'' is a [[Nematodes|nematode]] of the superfamily ''[[Ascaridoidea]]''. ''T. cati'' is found '''worldwide''', and can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal problems in infected hosts.
There is a '''zoonotic risk''' with ingestion of larvated eggs, which can produce the conditions of '''visceral larval migrans''' and '''ocular larval migrans'''. However ''[[Toxocara canis|T. canis]]'' is the more common culprit.
There is a '''zoonotic risk''' with ingestion of larvated eggs, which can produce the conditions of '''visceral larval migrans''' and '''ocular larval migrans''' in humans. However ''[[Toxocara canis|T. canis]]'' is the more common culprit.
==Hosts==
==Hosts==
The adult worms live in the '''small intestine''' and the females produce eggs that are passed in the faeces of the cat.
The adult worms live in the '''small intestine''' and the females produce eggs that are passed in the faeces of the cat.
Infection occurs by '''ingestion of the L2 in the egg''', or after '''ingestion of a paratenic host''', or via '''transmammary infection'''.
Infection occurs by '''ingestion of the L2 in the egg''', or after '''ingestion of a paratenic host''', or via '''transmammary route'''.
After direct ingestion of the larvae, they migrate through the liver, lungs and trachea, and then go back to the small intestine, where they transform into L3.
After direct ingestion of the larvae, they migrate through the liver, lungs and trachea, and then go back to the small intestine, where they transform into L3.
Ingestion of a paratenic host like a mouse causes the larvae to be released by digestion, and they then enter the small intestine of the cat, and will moult into L3.
Ingestion of a paratenic host like a mouse causes the larvae to be released by digestion, and they then enter the small intestine of the cat, and will moult into L3.
Transmammary infection is also very important, and commonly seen throughout lactation. However, unlike ''[[Toxocara canis |T. canis]]'', '''prenatal infection does not occur'''.
Transmammary infection is also very important, and commonly seen throughout lactation. However, unlike ''[[Toxocara canis|T. canis]]'', '''prenatal infection does not occur'''.
The prepatent period of ''T. catis'' is 8 weeks.
The prepatent period of ''T. catis'' is 8 weeks.
Worms may be seen in '''vomitus or in the faeces'''.
Worms may be seen in '''vomitus or in the faeces'''.
'''Migrating larvae''' can cause damage to internal organs leading to pneumonia and coughing, ascites, fatty liver.
'''Migrating larvae''' can cause damage to internal organs leading to [[:Category:Pneumonia|pneumonia]] and coughing, ascites, [[Hepatic Lipidosis|fatty liver]].
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
''Toxocara leonida'' eggs may confuse the diagnosis, but they are smooth-shelled and more oval in shape.
''Toxocara leonida'' eggs may confuse the diagnosis, but they are smooth-shelled and more oval in shape.
==Treatment and control==
==Treatment and Control==
Treatment of gastrointestinal infections with ''Toxocara cati'' is relatively straightforward. Anthelmintics such as '''febantel, pyrantel, selamectin, fenbendazole and milbemycin''' can be used.
Treatment of gastrointestinal infections with ''Toxocara cati'' is relatively straightforward. Anthelmintics such as '''febantel, pyrantel, selamectin, fenbendazole and milbemycin''' can be used.
{{Learning
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Feline Medicine Q&A 09]]
|flashcards = [[Feline Medicine Q&A 09]]
|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title:(%22Toxocara+cati%22)+OR+title:(%22Toxocara+mystax%22) ''Toxocara cati'' publications]
}}
}}
Merck and Co (2008) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
Merck and Co (2008) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
{{review}}
{{review}}
[[Category:Ascaridoidea]][[Category:Cat Nematodes]]
[[Category:Ascaridoidea]][[Category:Cat Nematodes]]
[[Category:Expert_Review - Small Animal]]
[[Category:Expert_Review]]
[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Cat]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]