Playtnosomum fluke eggs are passed in the feces of infected cats. The eggs are ingested by free ranging land snails. The fluke develops in this first intermediate host before the snail is ingested by the second intermediate host, either a toad, snake or lizard. The cat then eats the second intermediate host. The flukes can cause serious liver damage and damage to the bile system.
Chronic disease can cause severe liver fibrosis and liver failure.
Obstruction of the bile ducts can lead to obstructive liver disease and liver failure. The clinical signs depend on the number and location of the flukes. The fluke eggs can be detected in the feces of effected cats. If the bile duct is completely obstructed eggs may not be passed in the feces. The best preventative is to keep lizards out of reach.