ABSTRACT
aelurostrongylus abstrusus Feline lungworm obtained by ingestion of infected rodents and birds. PPP= 5 weeks. Dx: Larva (375 µm long) in feces is very active, easy to recover in a Baermann funnel; has a distinctive dorsal spine on the tail. Larva easily recovered during transtracheal wash which also may contain elevated eosinophil numbers. Chest radiographs show diffuse poorly defined nodular densities – caudal lung fields most involved. Post-Tx radiographs look worse even when clinical signs improved. Adult Habitat: Threaded through lung parenchyma. Similar Species: Cats are commonly host to very few worms producing larvae in feces. Range: World. Clinical Signs: Usually asymptomatic. Signs can range from mild cough, to severe wheezing and respiratory distress. Must differentiate from asthma, heart worm, cardiac disease, and Paragonimus infection. Tx: Asymptomatic cases usually resolve without Tx. Corticosteroids (prednisone; 0.5 mg/kg, PO, q24h for 5 days) will reduce severity of clinical signs. No approved drugs to kill adults, but effective treatments include:
