Aelurostrongylosis

Caused by: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Introduction

Aelurostrongylosis is the disease caused by the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which is found in many parts of Europe, the USA and Australia.

Clinical signs

The disease is often asymptomatic, and serious respiratory problems usually occur due to a deficient immunity, following FIV infection for example.

Respiratory signs are usually progressive and worstening. Heavy infections can cause severe bronchopneumonia, with cats presenting with open-mouth breathing and abdominal effort.

There might also be coughing and sneezing and systemic signs such as anorexia, lethargy and wasting.

Diagnosis

Radiography may reveal a diffuse interstitial pattern with focal peribronchial densities. An alveolar pattern may appear in severe cases.

Bronchial lavage may reveal characteristic coiled larvae with an undulating tail and spine and eosinophilic inflammation.

Haematology may reveal eosinophilia.

Post mortem examination may reveal greenish nodules in the lungs.

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.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment is difficult and not often necessary unless the cat is showing clinical signs, as the disease is usually self-limiting.

Fenbendazole for 21 consecutive days is usually effective. Ivermectin has also been used in some cases.

Control is by prevention of hunting by cats.

Aelurostrongylosis Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Cytology Q&A 05

References

Merck and Co (2008) Merck veterinary Manual Merial

Bowman, D. (2002) Feline Clinical Parasitology Wiley-Blackwell