Determination ofPrevalence and Risk Factors in Cats from Balıkesir.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The lungworms are nematodes that live as parasites in cat lungs. It is reported that the most common lungworm isin cats, and alsois observed. The lungworms can cause infection of the lower respiratory tract, often resulting in bronchitis and pneumonia. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors ofin cats in the Balıkesir province. METHODS: This study was carried out on 100 cats in Balıkesir province. Fresh stool samples (>15 g) were collected for detection of lungworms after recorded all cat information (breed, age, sex, etc.). Parasite-specific L1 forms were determined from the stool samples by the Baerman-Wetzel technique. RESULTS: L1's were found in 5 of the 100 stool samples examined. While symptoms of respiratory system disease were observed in 2 of the cats with lungworm, no clinical finding of the presence of parasites was found in 3 of them. CONCLUSION: was observed at a level of 5% in this first prevalence study in cats in Balıkesir province.