Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat lungworm larvae levels linked to breathing and X-ray signs
By Genchi, Marco et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2014·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Relation between Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae excretion, respiratory and radiographic signs in naturally infected cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 196 cats was tested for a lungworm infection caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and 52 of them were found to be infected. The study looked at how the number of larvae in their feces related to breathing problems and X-ray findings. It showed that cats with more larvae were more likely to have severe respiratory symptoms, although some cats showed no symptoms at all despite having a high number of larvae. Older cats tended to have fewer larvae and less severe symptoms. If your cat has breathing issues, it’s important to consider this infection as a possible cause.
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Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the possible relation between the number of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae per gram of feces (LPG) with respiratory signs and radiographic findings in naturally infected cats. Out of 196 owned cats, 52 (26.5%) were found infected with A. abstrusus. Positive cats were divided into 4 age groups (1, 2-6 months; 2, 7-11 months; 3, 1-5 years and, 4, >6 years). Thoracic radiographs in double orthogonal views were carried out and cats were ranked on the basis of the respiratory signs (0, no symptoms; 1, mild; 2, moderate and 3, severe symptoms) and radiographic changes. Data showed that increasing LPGs were associated with higher probability to develop more severe symptoms, although some asymptomatic cats had high number of LPGs. Radiographic score and LPGs decreased with increasing cat age. A. abstrusus should be included in the differential diagnosis of lung diseases also in cats with mild respiratory symptoms.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25466621/