Lungworm Infestation in a Cat

History: 4-year-old cat, domestic short hair, intact female, with a history of moderate dyspnea during anesthesia. Chest radiographs are consistent with feline asthma or lungwoms.

Cytological description: The images show a background of mucoid material, several ciliated columnar epithelial cells, numerous eosinophils and neutrophils, and a moderate number of macrophages. There is severe infestation by parasitic larvae (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus).

Comments: Most cats infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are asymptomatic. An inflammatory response to the parasite can result in clinical signs. Clinical signs range from mild coughing to severe wheezing and respiratory distress.

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