Lower Respiratory Parasites in Cats
Key takeaways
Respiratory parasites are organisms that can cause bronchitis or pneumonia in infected cats.
- Cats can become infected in a number of different ways depending on the type of parasite, including eating contaminated feces, infected snails and crabs, as well as previously infected birds or rodents
- Once in the animal's system, parasitic larvae migrate to the lungs
- Infected animals may be asymptomatic or exhibit symptoms such as chronic cough, weakness, exercise intolerance, and rapid breathing
- Diagnosis is based on an initial physical examination, fecal examination, and diagnostic imaging
- Once diagnosed, treatment involves anti-parasitic medication
- Prognosis of lower respiratory parasitic infection in cats is generally good, but medical attention is advised as if left untreated, the condition can cause permanent lung damage
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A closer look: Lower Respiratory Parasites in Cats
Lower respiratory parasites can be found throughout nature. Contraction is often through an intermediate host, an infected animal which is then either consumed by the cat or its feces. Some do not use intermediates and infect directly from animal to animal, primarily through the fecal to oral route.
Lower respiratory parasitic infections are uncommon and not life-threatening and generally do not lead to medical emergency status. Nonetheless, veterinary attention is recommended as animals that are left untreated can develop long-lasting or permanent lung damage that, in turn, can decrease the animal’s quality of life.
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Risk factors
Symptoms of lower respiratory parasitic infection may vary in accordance with the kind of parasite causing the infection; however, most cats are asymptomatic except in severe cases. When cats are severely infested or have a severe inflammatory reaction to the parasites, other symptoms may present.
Younger cats are more likely to develop symptomatic infections.
Possible causes
Lower respiratory parasitic infections are caused by a number of parasites, including:
- Lungworms: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are commonly found in cats worldwide. Cats become infected by consuming infected slugs and snails, which are the intermediate hosts that spread the infection. Cats can also become infected by ingesting other infected animals such as rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Lung flukes: Commonly known as flukes, or trematodes, include Alaria, Nanophyetus salmincola, Paragonimus kellicotti and Platynosomum fastosum. Cats become infected with lung flukes following ingestion of infected or intermediate hosts which include amphibians, reptiles, rodents, crayfish, snails, and slugs.
- Bronchial worms: Bronchial worms include Eucoleus aerophilus, and Eucoleus aerophila. Transmission of bronchial worms is direct, meaning these worms do not have an intermediate host. Bronchial worms are passed through the fecal to oral route. Bronchial worms can cause chronic bronchitis and respiratory failure.
Main symptoms
Infected animals may not develop any clinical signs.
Testing and diagnosis
Cats presenting with symptoms of respiratory parasitic infections, asymptomatic animals living with diagnosed animals, and newly adopted pets may undergo the following diagnostics to identify potential infections:
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging
- Fecal examination
In severe cases, cats may also undergo further diagnostics such as bronchoscopy to visualize and collect samples from the lower airways and lungs.
Steps to Recovery
Once diagnosed, animals are treated with anti-parasitic medication. The kind of medication depends on the type of parasite causing the condition.
In cases of mild infection, animals may only require medication to alleviate infection of the respiratory tract.
Even though severe cases are rare, some animals may require hospitalization for supportive care and supplemental oxygen, as well as further medications (such as anti-inflammatories).
After treatment, monitoring by way of subsequent fecal examination is warranted to ensure cats are parasite free.
If the condition is left untreated, cats may develop long-lasting lung damage that can reduce the animal’s quality of life.
Cats diagnosed with lower respiratory patristic infections generally carry a good prognosis and are able to recover completely with appropriate anti-parasitic medication, even though recurrence is possible.
Prevention
Some of the parasites have specific intermediate hosts, including snails, crabs, and slugs; keeping cats from ingesting these creatures will help in prevention. Preventing cats from ingesting prey items such as birds, rodents, reptiles, and amphibians may also prevent infection. In addition, cleaning litter frequently minimizes the risk of fecal-oral transmission of parasites.
Is Lower Respiratory Parasites in Cats common?
Outdoor cats and those living in rural or coastal areas are at a greater risk of ingesting infected animals. Cats living with other infected animals are at a higher risk of becoming infected.
Typical Treatment
Anti-parasitic medication Anti-inflammatory drugs Supportive care Supplemental oxygen
