Feline Heartworm

Feline Heartworm Disease

                   Many people don’t associate cats with heartworm disease, but cats can and do get it. It does however take a greater exposure than dogs. For a cat to become infected, a mosquito must bite a species of animal with a patent infection (usually a dog) and then after proper climate conditions, bite a cat. The initial clinical signs associated with early infections occur most frequently in the late fall and early winter (usually 4-7 months) after the exposure. The thing about heartworms that is most deadly for cats is when the adult heartworms die. The death of these worms can cause a cat to go into heart failure. Infected cats may suddenly die, have chronic signs, or experience no signs at all. This is why it is important to get your cat tested annually and also use heartworm prevention just as in dogs.

                        The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats is coughing. Other symptoms are difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss. If a doctor suspects feline dirofilariasis (heartworm disease) some of the tests they may offer are:

1) CBC (complete blood count, white blood cells red blood cells etc.)

2) Knott test- (to use a slide and microscope to see them) -

3) Chest radiographs- (To see what the heart looks like)

4) Ultrasound of the heart- (worms can be seen in the heart of the effected cat).

5) EKG- This measures the heartwaves

6) Serology for feline antibody against adult antigen (2 blood tests) -Serologic detection of adult antigen.

7) Tracheal wash

8) Arteriogram Unfortunately once diagnosed there really is not much that can be done for the cat. The worms can die on their own over the next several years and run the risk of continued problems and on occasion an acute crisis, or an adulticide can be used to eliminate the worms and run the risk of acute complications associated with the worm or worms dying all at once with severe consequences. The worms can also be surgically removed or removed by a scope. (There have been cases reported with this method).

                         To keep your cat safe we recommend the use of one of the following products: Revolution: A topical applied in between the shoulder blades directly onto the skin. (This medication prevents fleas, some ticks, some intestinal parasites, ear mites and heartworm disease. Heartgard or Interceptor: These all are dosed by weight and are chewable tablets given once a month to prevent heartworm disease.