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Feline Heartworm Disease
Cats are very different
from dogs when it comes to heartworm disease. Not only
do they differ in their susceptibility to the disease,
but also in how the disease affects them and how the
disease is diagnosed.
There are significant differences between
feline heartworm disease and canine heartworm disease.
Cats are more resistant to the disease, and typically
when they do become infected have a smaller burden of
worms in their bodies. But due to their smaller size,
even a few worms can be considered a heavy infection
for a cat. Even one worm can cause illness or death
in a cat.
Heartworms are caused by a parasite
called Dirofilaria immitis. Cats and dogs become infected
with this parasite through mosquitoes that can carry
this parasite. When a mosquito bites the cat, the parasite
enters the bloodstream and grows into an adult worm
several centimeters long. These worms tend to accumulate
around the vessels of the heart and lungs and cause
inflammation of these vessels. In severe cases they
can cause a thromboembolism which results in an acute
death.
Since heartworm disease in cats happens
less often than in dogs, cats with heartworm disease
are often misdiagnosed. Cats with heartworms are often
wrongly diagnosed as having asthma or allergic bronchitis.
Also, many cats can have heartworms and not appear ill.
The true percentage of heartworm positive
cats is hard to determine due to diagnostic limitations.
In dogs an antigen test is the "gold standard"
in diagnosing heartworm disease and it is a very accurate
test. Unfortunately in cats these tests are not as accurate.
In cats several tests must be used together to arrive
at an accurate diagnosis. These tests can include serology,
x-rays, and echocardiographs.
Cats that are positive for heartworm
disease have many treatment options, but they all have
risk associated with them. In mild cases an anti-inflammatory
like prednisone may be used. This drug helps support
cats by reducing the inflammation of affected vessels.
For cats showing severe clinical signs, more extensive
treatment and hospitalization are needed. Surgery is
also an option to physically remove any worms.
There are many medications on the market
to help prevent your cat from getting heartworm disease.
Monthly preventatives are an option for cats living
in areas where heartworm disease is endemic. Even indoor
cats may be at risk if windows are left open. Year-round
preventative is increasingly being recommended by more
veterinarians. Kittens as young as eight weeks can be
started on preventatives.
The most common products used for cats
include Interceptor, Heartgard, and Revolution. Interceptor
and Heartgard are given orally as chewable medication.
Revolution is a topical medication that is applied to
the hair over the shoulders. At a minimum the medication
should be started within 30 days of heartworm transmission
season, and continued until at least 30 days after it
ends. In most places this means starting the medication
in spring and continuing through the fall.
If you live in an endemic area of heartworm
disease, be sure to keep your cat on preventative. Talking
to your veterinarian is the best source of advice about
the prevalence of heartworm in your area.
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