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When it comes to heartworm disease, dogs and cats have a lot in common. But new research shows that in cats there is the potential for more severe reactions and even sudden death. Indoor cats are also at risk for heartworm disease.
Cases of heartworm disease in cats have been reported across the United States
and many other countries. Heartworm disease is most common in areas where dogs
are also at risk.
What
are the signs?
The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats - coughing , vomiting, breathing
difficulties, weight loss, and lethargy - are often mistaken for other conditions
such as asthma, pneumonia and digestive problems. In fact, most common clinical
signs of heartworm disease in cats resembles bronchial asthma.
Prevention
Once a cat is diagnosed with heartworm disease it can become a difficult situation.
Treatment, as well as non-treatment, is very risky, because there's currently
no approved product for treating adult heartworms, and the onset of clinical
signs is impossible to predict in cats that are left untreated. Even if the
disease is treated, your cat may experience severe complications or even death
when the worms die. Prevention is the best medicine. Ask your veterinarian about
heartworm disease prevention for your cat. It may give your feline friend the
best shot at living nine long and healthy lives.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Heartworm Disease in Cats.
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How
do cats get heartworm disease?
Cats get heartworm disease the same way dogs get it. Mosquitoes transmit the
disease by biting an infected animal, then passing the infection on to other
animals they bite.
Where
are cats at risk for heartworm infection?
Wherever dogs are at risk. Even cats that live indoors. In fact, some studies
estimate that 70% of cats may be at risk in areas where there are heartworm-infected
dogs.
What are the signs of heartworm disease in cats?
Common signs of infection are:
How
can heartworm disease be treated?
Currently there is no approved product for treatment of heartworm disease in
cats.
What
can I do to prevent heartworm disease in my cat?
Prevention is your best option. Ask your veterinarian for more information.