Single and mixed feline lungworm infections: clinical, radiographic and therapeutic features of 26 cases (2013–2015)

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe clinical, radiographic and therapeutic features of feline lungworm infection. Methods Medical records of cats with lungworm diagnosis, thoracic radiography and without concurrent diseases between 2013 and 2015 were reviewed. Collection of data included physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, therapy with a variety of anthelmintics and outcomes. Results Thirty-seven records were recovered and 26 were included in the study. Single infections by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (n = 15), Troglostrongylus brevior (n = 3) and Capillaria aerophila (n = 1) and coinfections by T brevior/ A abstrusus (n = 6) and T brevior/ C aerophila (n = 1) were diagnosed. The most common respiratory signs were coughing (n = 12), increased vesicular sounds (n = 10), dyspnoea (n = 9), such as laboured breathing, orthopnoea or open-mouth breathing, and tachypnoea (n = 6). Two cats were subclinically infected. The most common laboratory abnormality was anaemia (n = 7). Radiographic patterns recorded were interstitial (n = 24), bronchial (n = 21), alveolar (n = 10) and vascular (n = 2). Twenty-five cats had a complete recovery within 2-6 weeks of therapy. One kitten died 7 days after the diagnosis. Conclusions and relevance Lungworms should always be included in the differential diagnosis in cats living in endemic areas and presenting with respiratory signs and radiographic abnormalities. A copromicroscopic examination should be considered as the first diagnostic step for all cats at risk of lungworm infections. In most cases, timely therapy with a variety of anthelmintics guarantees recovery.

First case of a natural infection in a domestic cat (Felis catus) with the canid heart worm Angiostrongylus vasorum

“…Infected dogs frequently show respiratory signs and/or abnormal thorax imaging (Dennler et al, 2011;Koch and Willesen, 2009), which was not present in this case. However, this might be not surprising as also cats severely affected by feline lungworms do not necessarily show clinical signs (Crisi et al, 2016;Schnyder et al, 2014a). Interestingly, in cats experimentally infected with A. vasorum the respiratory signs occurred as early as 2-3 weeks after infection, with potentially deadly outcome after five weeks, while other cats remained asymptomatic or presented with mild signs such as transient coughing and tachypnoe (Guilhon and Cens, 1970).…”

Feline Troglostrongylosis: Current Epizootiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Options

“…Troglostrongylus brevior infection occurs mostly in cats younger than 1 year ( 23 , 34 , 36 ), often causing severe and life-threatening lower respiratory tract disease ( 12 , 20 , 27 , 31 , 37 ). Nonetheless, subclinically infected animals and cases of mild clinical signs have been reported, both in young and adult cats ( 12 , 27 , 31 ). The infection should be suspected in young cats with a history of outdoor life ( 9 , 12 , 13 , 20 – 34 ).…”

“…The most common signs in cats with troglostrongylosis are cough, dyspnea and tachypnea ( 12 , 20 , 22 , 30 , 31 , 37 ). However, clinical signs of lower respiratory tract disease are a common presenting complaint in cats of all ages, and such manifestations frequently overlap with other respiratory disorders ( 31 ). Furthermore, other not disease-specific signs, such as anorexia/hyporexia, hyperthermia/hypothermia, dehydration, poor body conditions, and lethargy are reported in feline troglostrongylosis ( 22 , 31 ).…”

“…However, clinical signs of lower respiratory tract disease are a common presenting complaint in cats of all ages, and such manifestations frequently overlap with other respiratory disorders ( 31 ). Furthermore, other not disease-specific signs, such as anorexia/hyporexia, hyperthermia/hypothermia, dehydration, poor body conditions, and lethargy are reported in feline troglostrongylosis ( 22 , 31 ). Ocular and/or nasal discharge and sneezing are typical signs of feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), and these clinical signs have been reported in lungworm and T. brevior infections as well ( 20 , 31 ), even in the absence of the most common pathogens involved in URTD ( 31 ).…”

“…Furthermore, other not disease-specific signs, such as anorexia/hyporexia, hyperthermia/hypothermia, dehydration, poor body conditions, and lethargy are reported in feline troglostrongylosis ( 22 , 31 ). Ocular and/or nasal discharge and sneezing are typical signs of feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), and these clinical signs have been reported in lungworm and T. brevior infections as well ( 20 , 31 ), even in the absence of the most common pathogens involved in URTD ( 31 ). Despite this evidence, the mechanism leading to upper respiratory signs in cats affected by lungworms is still unclear, even though a dislocation of bronchial secretions in the nasal cavity has been proposed ( 31 ).…”