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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==
| + | [[Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] |
− | 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 by prevention of hunting by cats.
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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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− | [[Category:To Do - Helen]] | |
− | [[Category:To Do - Review]]
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− | [Category:Respiratory Parasitic Infections]][[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Cat]] | |