Review of pulmonary nematodoses of domestic cats with description of the first case of aelurostrongylosis in a cat in Russia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to outline the current state of the problem of pulmonary nematodoses of domestic cats, to draw the attention of veterinarians to it, to raise their awareness of the peculiarities of methods for diagnosing these helminthoses.Materials and methods. The literature data on the distribution, species composition, differential morphology, biology, pathogenic influence, methods of diagnostics of the causative agents of pulmonary nematodes in cats are analyzed. When describing a case of aelurostrongylosis in a kitten, its clinical state was observed, general clinical and biochemical blood tests, diagnostics of viral infections, and ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity were carried out. Parasitological examination of feces was carried out by the flotation method and by the method of Berman.Results and discussion. The review of the world literature on pulmonary nematodes of domestic cats is carried out. Most pathogens are represented by species of several families of metastrongyloids, the most common and clinically significant representatives are: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (family Angiostrongylidae), Troglostrongylus brevior (Crenosomatidae), Oslerus rostratus (Filaroididae). Also in the respiratory system of cats can be parasitized Eucoleus aerophilus (Trichurida: Capillariidae) and Metathelazia massinoi (Spirurida: Pneumospiruridae). The first Russian case of aelurostrongylosis in a domestic cat is described. The larvae of the first stage of pulmonary nematodes of the species Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in the study of feces according to the Berman method in a homeless 3-month-old kitten from the Moscow region. The number of larvae was 104 per gram of feces. The size of the larvae was 360–380 µm in length, the tail end had a characteristic structure – a double bend in the shape of the letter “S”, a dorsal spine-like outgrowth and a ventral notch. For veterinary practice, it is recommended that, in the presence of clinical signs of respiratory system damage in cats at risk (free-walking animals, kittens, street cats), pulmonary nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis using appropriate diagnostic tests.