A case of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in a cat in Istanbul, Turkey and its treatment with moxidectin and levamisole

Abstract

Larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were identified in the feces of a 2-year-old female cat suffering from dyspnea and incoordination for 18 months. The larvae had a terminal S-shaped projection and a subterminal dorsal spine. The larvae measured 363-378x15 mum (aver. 370x15 mum). Firstly, moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg) was given subcutaneously to 3 healthy stray cats over 1 year old to check adverse effects on cats. No adverse reaction was observed. Then a subcutaneous injection of moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg) was given to the infected cat for treatment on day 0 and this was repeated on day 51. Seventy-nine days after the 2nd application of moxidectin (on day 130), levamisole (8 mg/kg) was given orally to the cat. The treatment of moxidectin resulted in only a decrease in larval output, whereas levamisole ceased it within 5 days. The clinical signs of the cat improved within 5 weeks of the first application of moxidectin. Neither moxidectin nor levamisole caused adverse effects. This is the first case report on Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in a cat in Turkey.