Pleural effusion as a sequela to aelurostrongylosis in a cat

A two-year-old domestic cat was admitted with dyspnea and coughing. Unilateral pleural effusion with characteristics of an eosinophilic exudate was demonstrated. A direct fecal smear was positive for Aelurostrongylus abstrussus larvae. Treatment with levamisole and fenbendazole was curative. Aelurostrongylosis should be suspected in any cat with dyspnea, coughing, or pleural effusion.