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Microlithiasis associated with chronic bronchopneumonia in a cat.
D G Brummer1, T W French, J M Cline
1Department of Clinical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|April 15, 1989
Summary
A cat with chronic bronchopneumonia and lung microlithiasis showed no improvement with treatment. This case highlights the rare occurrence and unknown significance of lung microliths in companion animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Chronic bronchopneumonia can affect companion animals.
- Microlithiasis, the formation of tiny stones, is rarely documented in feline respiratory tracts.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with a 3-month history of coughing and dyspnea.
- Thoracic radiography showed widespread alveolar infiltrates.
- Tracheal washings revealed numerous acellular, laminated microliths composed primarily of calcium carbonate.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed chronic bronchopneumonia with alveolar microlithiasis.
- Marked type-II alveolar cell and peribronchiolar smooth muscle proliferation were noted.
- The exact cause of the microlithiasis remained unidentified.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rarity of respiratory microliths in companion animals.
- The pathophysiological role and clinical significance of these feline lung microliths require further investigation.
- Understanding microlithiasis may offer new insights into feline respiratory diseases.