Apr

Feline Heartworm

Feline heartworms attack more than your cat's heart.

Feline Heartworm is a very serious condition. Heartworms live in the arteries, heart, and lungs of cats. Adult heartworms produce young which move around in the bloodstream. These larvae are called microfilaria and are spread by mosquitoes. The mosquito bites an infected animal and injests the larvae. Once inside the mosquito, it takes between 10 to 14 days for the larvae to mature and become able to infect other animals the mosquito then bites. Research is showing that the mosquito responsible for carrying the heartwom larvae is one that prefers to live inside your house rather than outside it. This means you indoor cat is at risk of becoming infected.

The worms mature in the bloodstream of your cat and cause damage and inflammation to the blood vessels, heart and lungs. Heartworm can live in your cat’s body for 2-3 years. Feline heartworm can be fatal, sometimes with your cat dying suddenly with no obvious symptoms. Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms. While you may be able to buy over the counter heartworm treatment, I would not advise doing this.

Some signs of heartworm infestation could be your cat having difficulty breathing, stopping eating for no apparent reason, vomiting, losing weight, coughing or wheezing with asthma like symptoms.

If you suspect your cat has heartworm, the first thing to do is take it to the vet. He (or she) not only has the knowledge to make an accurate diagnosis, he will also be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your cat has and how the worms are affecting your cat. Hopefully he will have your cat’s medical history so he will also be able to decide if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.

Feline heartworm shown at 400 times magnification.

Heartworm treatment for cats and dogs is different. Please, never give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog – or vice versa. It is imperative to always give your cat (or any pet for that matter) medicine that is designed for its species.

Heartworm treatment isn’t easy, and it could stretch over a long period of time. Even though your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, there are several factors that you’ll need to consider.

Cats are extremely difficult to treat for heartworm. The dying worms can cause serious side effects to your cat. Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the heartworm infestation. When the worms start to decompose, they release antigens into your cat’s body that can create life-threatening reactions. Be prepared that your cat may need to spend some time at the veterinary hospital to make sure that they are responding to treatment.

Some breeds of cats may not be able to withstand some of the heartworm treatment medication. Speak to your vet about the side affects and how the medicine affect will affect your cat. Your vet will need to run several tests to decide on the best course of treatment.

As with all diseases and problems to do with your cat, or your family, prevention is a lot easier, safer and cheaper than treatment. Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use while your cat is still a kitten.