Aaron C. Rainer, D.V.M., M.P.H.
East Lake Veterinary Clinic
Killeen, TX
Did you know your cat can get heartworms too?
Well they can! Once thought a rare condition of our feline friends, heartworm disease is now being diagnosed quite often by veterinarians. It is transmitted by the mosquito just as in dogs. Unlike the dog, once the heartworm infection is established in the cat, there are usually few adult worms that actually make their home in the heart. Heartworms cause an acute pneumonitis. This means that the cat may show signs resembling asthma. However, most cases of feline heartworm disease present few signs.
Signs of feline heartworm disease
Vomiting
Anorexia
Weight Loss
Difficulty Breathing
Coughing
Sudden Death
Diagnosis
ELISA Test (blood test looking for antibodies)
Diagnostic Imaging (x ray or ultrasound)
Treatment
Treatment of cats with heartworm disease is different than with dogs. The arsenical base regimen used with dogs has not been favorable to use in cats because it causes thromboembolic events and sometimes death; therefore, it is not used.
Our current recommendation for feline heartworm disease is to treat the clinical signs with such drugs like steroids and bronchodilators which reduce inflammation and help open the airways in order to improve breathing while giving monthly prevention. Spontaneous regression is often the result.
Prevention is Easy!
Monthly Heartworm Prevention (consult your veterinarian)
Did you know… Outdoor cats are 2 times as likely to be infected with heartworm disease!
