Pathological findings on natural infection with Physaloptera praeputialis in cats

To study the pathological changes in the stomach of cat caused by Physaloptera praeputialis, 22 stray cats were euthanized. At necropsies, seven cats were found to be infected with this nematode. Thickening of the stomach wall, congestion and oedema, along with tiny erosions, were observed in gross pathology. Histopathology observations indicated congestion, oedema, leukocytic infiltration, necrosis, hyperplasia and cystic changes of glands and hyperplasia of muscular coat. These changes were indicative of inflammatory and degenerative reaction brought about by parasitic infection with P. praeputialis and its consequent irritating effects on the stomach. This is the second report of pathological observations of P. praeputialis infection in domestic cats