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Caused by: [[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]

Caused by: '''''[[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]'''''

==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.

==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.

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.

'''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.

'''Haematology''' may reveal eosinophilia.

'''Haematology''' may reveal [[eosinophilia]].

'''Post mortem examination''' may reveal greenish nodules in the lungs.

'''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.

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 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.

'''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.

'''Control''' is by prevention of hunting by cats.

'''Control''' is only by prevention of hunting by cats.

{{Learning

{{Learning

[[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]

[[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]]