Heartworm disease is one of the more serious cat diseases that can affect your little pet. Fortunately, it can be prevented with a prescription for effective medication from your veterinarian.
Mosquitoes Cause the Spread of Heartworm Disease
A parasitic organism called dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease. It is a type of nematode or roundworm that lives inside an animal’s body. Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading this disease as they carry it from infected animals to other animals. When a mosquito bites into the skin of an infected animal, it picks up the diseased blood, which is then transferred into a new host, and infectious larvae develop within 10 to 14 days.
Adult female worms produce offspring called microfilaria that can travel through the animal’s bloodstream to all the major organs. Mature heartworms can live for up to three years in cats.
Heartworm Disease Affects Animals Differently
Although heartworm is more common in dogs, many cats around the world also suffer from this parasitic disease. Heartworm in cats is different from heartworm in dogs in the signs, symptoms and treatment. In spite of the name “heartworm,” the disease often causes more damage to the lungs of cats than to their hearts.
Sometimes the parasitic worms do not survive in cats and will disappear without treatment. In other cases, if left untreated, the worms thrive inside the heart, lungs and other organs of the host animal and cause suffering, or worse.
If you have a pet cat, it is imperative to understand this condition and employ the necessary preventive measures. If your cat is an indoor cat, mosquitoes may still be a problem; watch for symptoms and get immediate treatment for your pet if necessary.
Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm in Cats
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Blindness
- Rapid heart rate
- Fainting
- Convulsions
Treatment of Heartworm Disease
Most veterinarians will explain that treatment for this disease is both complicated and high risk. If your cat tests positive for heartworm, his or her general health must be assessed. It’s possible to manage the condition and for the cat to live a comfortable life without treatment.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce the allergic reactions brought about by the worm infestation. Some vets may recommend ivermectin as treatment, but there is insufficient medical evidence to prove that this is an effective and safe treatment route. In rare cases, surgery may be used to remove the heartworms physically.
Of course, it is best not to wait until your pet is inflicted with this disease before you act. It’s important to protect your cat from heartworm and other parasites by using topical or oral preventative medications. Always talk to your vet when inquiring to prescriptions and recommendations to find what would be best for your pet.
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