GASTRITIS CAUSED BY AONCHOTHECA PUTORII IN A DOMESTIC CAT

: Aonchotheca putorii is a parasitic nematode of the stomach and small intestines of many wild mammals. Although A putorii has been found in domestic cats in Iowa, it has not been reported to be pathogenic. The parasite caused severe gastric and was associated with a gastric ulcer and secondary anemia in a 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat from Ohio. The source of infection was not determined. Surgical resection of the affected tissue resolved clinical signs. The importance of postoperative administration of an anthelmintic in the resolution of any remaining A putorii is unknown. Ivermectin was given empirically to this cat. It is not known whether, or at what dosage, ivermectin or any other anthelmintic is effective against A putorii.