Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lungworm infection in a cat with feline immunodeficiency virus
By Sarah Elhamiani Khatat et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports·2016·Department of Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Parasitology, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Lungworm () infection in a feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cat in France
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat in France was brought to the vet with breathing problems and signs of chronic upper respiratory disease. After examining her lungs, the vet found a lungworm infection caused by a parasite called Eucoleus aerophilus, which is more likely to affect cats with weakened immune systems, like those with feline immunodeficiency virus. The cat had previously been treated with steroids for suspected allergic bronchitis, which may have contributed to her infection. Treatment for the lungworm infection was initiated, and the cat's condition improved following appropriate care.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · lungworm infection in cats · feline immunodeficiency virus treatment · cat respiratory disease symptoms
Abstract
Case summary A 2-year-old domestic shorthair female outdoor cat living in France was diagnosed with a lungworm infection due to Eucoleus aerophilus . The history and clinical signs, in association with bronchoscopic examination, suggested chronic upper respiratory disease. Cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was consistent with suppurative bronchitis. Direct microscopic examination of BALF enabled the identification of E aerophilus ova. Relevance and novel information The cat was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and had been treated with steroids for a suspected allergic bronchitis, suggesting that immunodeficiency was probably a facilitating factor for E aerophilus infection, as described in previous cases. This case report emphasises the importance of considering eucoleosis (capillariosis) in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in cats. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical case of E aerophilus infection described in a domestic cat in France.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1177/2055116916651649