Page 272 - Feline diagnostic imaging

276 14 Feline Pulmonary Disease
result in clinical infection, with severe bronchitis or 14.6.4 Feline Infectious Peritonitis
bronchopneumonia. Radiographic changes of mixed pat- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is characterized by
terns of diffuse peribronchial, interstitial, and alveolar
opacities can be seen [57,71,73]. fibrinous and granulomatous serositis, protein‐rich serous
effusions (effusive form), and/or pyogranulomatous lesions
Pneumonia is the most important clinical manifestation
of feline toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) [74]. Cats are in several organs (noneffusive form) [76,77]. Pleural
effusion is the most common thoracic manifestation, but a
the key animal species in the life cycle of this parasite,
as they are the hosts that can excrete the oocysts. pyogranulomatous disease process involving the lungs can
occur. About 10% of cats with the noneffusive form will
Immunosuppressed cats may develop clinical disease [75].
have thoracic involvement, with localized pulmonary

(b)

(a)

(c) (d)

Figure 14.34 Lateral (a) and ventrodorsal (b) images of the thorax along with postcontrast transverse computed tomographic images
(c,d) of a cat presenting for several bouts of coughing and increased respiratory effort. An amorphous pattern of interstitial and
mineralized opacity is present in the right middle, right caudal, and left caudal lung lobes. These opacities had been followed for years
without change. On computed tomography, increases in interstitial opacities with a honey combed appearance were noted in the
subpleural regions of the lung. Focal mineralization is present. Cytology of the abnormal lung was relatively acellular. Pulmonary
fibrosis was suspected. Source: Images courtesy of Dr Merrilee Holland, Auburn University.