Platynosomum concinnum 30% Flashcards
What is Platynosomum
Platynosomum spp are cat-specific parasitic liver flukes found in tropical and subtropical countries. In the United States, cases have been found in the southeastern United States (particularly Florida) and Hawaii. These parasites reside in the liver and gall bladder of cats and are sometimes associated with enlarged bile ducts and gall bladder, biliary epithelial hyperplasia, and ultimately, liver failure.
Transmission Platynosomum
Platynosomum has a terrestrial life cycle; the land snail is the first intermediate host> isopods (pill bugs)> ingested by frogs, lizards, toads> subsequent development to metacercariae occurs in either reptiles or amphibians. Metacercariae are transmitted to cats via their predation on lizards, which is how the disease acquired the name of “lizard poisoning”.
Clinical signs Platynosomum
Often severe, can range from none to obstruction of the bile duct and hepatic insufficiency. Progressive clinical signs become notable within 7 to 16 weeks of infection and include weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, mucoid diarrhea, jaundice/ icterus, hepatomegaly, emaciation, and abdominal distention and tenderness. Death may occur in severely affected cats or those that present with late-stage clinical disease. However some cats are asymptomatic.
Flukes can migrate to pancreas> atrophy
Diagnosis Platynosomum
Eosinophilia, ALT/ALP elevations, bilirubin elevations.
The diagnosis of fluke infestation is often difficult (fecal ova can be hard to find, can shed for 1-2 years, formalin- ether sedimentation exam) often requiring exploratory laparotomy for a definitive diagnosis
Treatment Platynosomum
Trematode infections are difficult to clear. In severely affected cats, treatment may not improve clinical signs since liver pathology and associated disease may persist or worsen following death of the flukes. Nonetheless if the disease is diagnosed or suspected, praziquantel can be tried. supportive - fluids, b vit, pred, etc.
