Platynosomum concinnum 30%

Question 1

what is Platynosomum

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

clinical signs Platynosomum

Answer 2

are 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, 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.

Question 3

diagnosis Platynosomum

Answer 3

Eosinophilia, The diagnosis of fluke infestation is often difficult often requiring exploratory laparotomy for a definitive diagnosis

Question 4

treatment Platynosomum

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

transmission Platynosomum

Answer 5

Platynosomum has a terrestrial life cycle; the land snail is the first intermediate host. 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”.