Christoforidis Th. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Konstantinidis A.Ο. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Vergou M. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Papadopoulou P. Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Diakou A. Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Adamama-Moraitou K.Κ. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Feline respiratory parasites are in the veterinary medicine spotlight in the last few years, due to the increased number of cases in Southern Europe. It is thus important for veterinarians to recognize the clinical presentation of these parasitoses and to apply suitable diagnostic methods and effective treatment. The aim of this study is to present an interesting case of pulmonary parasitosis by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a young adult cat.
Clinical Case
A 3-year-old, female DSH cat was presented with severe respiratory distress, irresponsive to symptomatic and antibiotic treatment. The clinical findings included severe mixed dyspnea and open-mouth breathing. Chest radiography revealed a diffuse bronchial and interstitial pulmonary pattern. Copromicroscopy (Baermann method), showed the presence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae in the feces. The cat received antiparasitic (imidacloprid/ moxidectin) and symptomatic treatment with remarkable clinical and radiographic improvement.
Results
One month later, the cat presented mild dyspnea only after intense stress. One year later the cat was in good clinical condition, presenting only sporadic episodes of mild, dry cough.
Conclusions
Vigilance about feline pulmonary parasites is warranted and aelurostrongylosis must be included in the list of differentials in cats with cough or dyspnea. Veterinary clinicians must be aware of suitable diagnostic procedures and effective treatments.
References
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- Morelli S, Diakou A, Mariasole C, Di Cesare A, Barlaam A, Dimzas D, Traversa D (2021) Car Respiratory Nematodes: Current Knowledge, Novel Data, Warranted Studies on Clinical Features, Treatment and Control. Pathogens 2021, 10, 454.
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- Traversa D, Di Cesare A (2013) Feline lungworms: what a dilemma. Trends in Parasitology 2013, Vol. 29, No. 9, 423-430.
