Aelurostrongylosis

Caused by: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus


  • Often asymptomatic; serious respiratory problems usually due to deficient immunity.
  • Prognosis poor.
  • Post mortem examination reveals greenish nodules in lungs.
  • Histopathology diferentiates these from tuberculosis.
  • Infections often asymptomatic, but can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in immunocompromised cats.

Fenbendazole is licensed for treatment.

  • Live in lung parenchyma and small bronchioles
  • Grossly:
    • Firm yellow nodules scattered throughout parenchyma, more frequently at periphery
  • Microscopically:
    • Eggs and larvae in the alveolar spaces cause a foreign body type reaction (surrounded by mononuclear cells and giant cells)
    • Submucosal gland hypertrophy and smooth muscle hypertrophy in airway and vessel walls
  • Associated clinical signs are mild although heavy infestations may -> chronic coughing
  • The airway eosinophilia which may be detected can be confused with a diagnosis of asthma