The cat lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is the most common nematode affecting the lower respiratory system of cats. A abstrusus has a worldwide distribution and possibly an expanding range (or increased awareness and diagnosis) in some regions. Capillaria (Eucoleus) aerophila and Troglostrongylus species also cause disease in domestic cats. Cats become infected by ingesting intermediate or paratenic hosts. Young animals, with their immature immune systems, and cats that spend time outdoors and hunt, are at increased risk for infection. Infections also occur among indoor cats, however. Infected cats may be asymptomatic or have clinical signs that include severe respiratory distress or death. Cough and sneezing are most common and may be accompanied by increases in respiratory rate. Young cats may be more severely affected. Signs often overlap with those of other causes of respiratory disease, such as fungal or bacterial infections, toxoplasmosis, heartworm infection, or feline asthma. Radiographic findings are not specific but provide an assessment of the degree of lung pathology. The Baermann test is the gold standard for confirmation of the diagnosis and can be performed on feces and transtracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Cytology of fluid obtained from the lungs may also be diagnostic. PCR tests are also available. Treatment is typically straightforward and effective, although cats with advanced or chronic disease may have significant damage to the lungs.
Read more about Lungworm Infection in Cats, Overview of Lungworm Infection, and Lung Nematodes in Small Animals in The Manuals.
References
Pennisi MG, Hartmann K, Addie DD, et al. Lungworm Disease in Cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg. 2016 17:626–636. doi: 10.1177/1098612X15588455
Giannelli A, Capelli G, Joachim A, et al. Int J Parasitol. Lungworms and gastrointestinal parasites of domestic cats: a European perspective. 2017 Aug;47(9):519–528. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.02.003
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