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| − | Caused by: '''''[[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]]'''''
| + | #redirect[[Aelurostrongylus abstrusus]] |
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| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | 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==
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| − | 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.
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| − | There might also be '''coughing and sneezing''' and systemic signs such as '''anorexia, lethargy and wasting'''.
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| − | ==Diagnosis==
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| − | '''Radiography''' may reveal a diffuse interstitial pattern with focal peribronchial densities. An alveolar pattern may appear in severe cases.
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| − | '''Bronchial lavage''' may reveal characteristic coiled larvae with an undulating tail and spine and eosinophilic inflammation.
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| − | '''Haematology''' may reveal [[eosinophilia]].
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| − | '''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.
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| − | ==Treatment and Prevention==
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| − | 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.
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| − | '''Control''' is only by prevention of hunting by cats.
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| − | {{Learning
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| − | |flashcards = [[Cytology Q&A 05]]
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| − | }}
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| − | ==References==
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| − | Merck and Co (2008) '''Merck veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
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| − | Bowman, D. (2002) '''Feline Clinical Parasitology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
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| − | {{review}}
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| − | [[Category:Expert Review]]
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| | [[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] | | [[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] |