Feline lungworm infection: under diagnosed at home and abroad?

When veterinary professionals think of feline lungworm in the UK, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus springs to mind. Although of relatively low pathogenicity and infrequently diagnosed, this lungworm should still be considered as a differential in the coughing cat, as should Eucoleus aerophilus, another endemic feline lungworm.

The effects of other nematodes on the respiratory systems of cats however, should also be considered. Toxocara cati is a ubiquitous UK nematode causing feline lung pathology and cats travelling abroad may be exposed to Dirofilaria immitis and the emerging Troglostrongylus brevior.

This article considers the diagnosis, pathology, treatment and prevention of lung disease caused by these parasites.