Heartworm Disease in Cats
Heartworm disease in cats is caused by the same worm, Dirofilaria immitis, as in the dog. Cats react differently than dogs to the disease. Cats usually have one or only a few worms and the worms generally only live 2 - 3 years. Infection rates are much lower than dogs with outside cats being at the greatest risk.
Symptoms of Heartworm disease in cats includes:
Cats have more severe symptoms when infected with heartworms than dogs. Some cats may die suddenly when a heartworm dies within their body.
It is difficult to diagnose this in cats. Since cats only have a few worms and very few microfilaria, The tests aren't as exact. Other tests including x-rays may be neccessary along with the heartworm test to diagnose heartworm disease in cats.
If a cat is known to have heartworm disease there is no treatment at this time. Many cats (30 - 50%) die suddenly if the heartworms die. For this reason, cats may be put on prdnisone to decrease the severity until the worms have died. This usually takes 2 - 3 years.
To prevent your cat from getting heartworm diseaase there is a preventive medication. Heartguard(R) can be given once a month to kill infective larvae before reaching the adult stage. Since we cannot treat positive animals it is recommended they also be put on preventive medication so their condition does not worsen.
Following is how Heartworms are transmitted to your cat.
Heartworm disease in cats has become more of a concern in the last few years. If your cat has symptoms similar to these, contact our office. If you think your cat is at risk call or stop into our office to get prventive medicine.
Return to Feline Page Index
Return to Napoleon Veterinary Clinic Home Page