Quote Originally Posted by Lizzie View Post
A fecal sample should show lungworm so I'm surprised the condition wasn't seen before since a fecal is usually part of the initial examination.
While lungworm larvae (not eggs) can be detected in feces, it requires an unusual type of test. Usually veterinarians routinely perform a fecal float to look for most parasites. However, lungworms are detected with something called the Baermann technique. Unless a veterinarian had reason to suspect lungworms (or another parasite that is detected via Baermann) is it not likely that the this would be a routine test performed during an initial examination. Incidentally to find lungworm eggs one would have to do a transtracheal wash or collect a sample of sputum. These diagnostic differences just have to do with the life cycle of the lungworm. I think the looking at a Baermann or TTW/sputum is going to be a better diagnostic than trying to rely on radiographs (xrays) alone.

Another parasite I would consider with these signs and history is heartworm. Believe it or not, vomiting is a clinical sign in cats with heartworm and it is primarily a disease of the lungs in felines.

I think vomiting would be a clinical sign in pretty late stage kidney failure. My cat was in fairly late stage kidney failure when I put her to sleep (earlier this month) and she had not yet started vomiting. However, I'm sure this varies by individual to a degree.

I'm a first year veterinary student and just had my first parasitology class this semester. I hope what I wrote makes sense. Let me know if you have questions!

Best wishes for Jimmy (Oliver & George, too)!! He's oh-so-cute and modest.