DEVASTATING FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE IS NOW PREVENTABLE

Heartworm disease, dirofilariasis, has been identified as a major problem in domestic cats. There are several differences in the disease in cats as compared to what we see in dogs. The differences can be confusing but then again we all know that cats are not just small dogs so we can expect a few differences.

First of all, the parasite that causes Heartworm disease in dogs, Dirofilaria imitis, can cause serious disease in cats. The symptoms are radically different from those seen in the dog. D. imitis causes disease in the lungs of the cat and rarely results in the typical congestive heart failure problems that we see in the dog. Usually the main symptoms we see in cats are coughing, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. In fact, many of the cats previously diagnosed as having asthma or some forms of intestinal disorders were actually victims of D. imitis infection.

Secondly, treatment for feline dirofilariasis is radically different from that in dogs. Treatment for dirofilariasis in dogs is directed at killing the adult worms found in the heart. In cats attempting to kill the adult worms will likely kill the cat!! Death of the adult worms in the cat causes such a severe reaction in the lungs that the only symptom the cat owner may see is death. Obviously, preventing the disease is the best option.

Third, in contrast to dogs, cats that live indoors are more likely to develop serious disease than outdoor cats. Cats seem to be able to develop a limited immunity to D. imitis infection when exposed to infected mosquitoes on a regular basis. This immunity does not prevent all aspects of the disease but seems to prevent the most serious stages of the infection. Therefore, placing all cats on prevention is strongly recommended.

Lastly, testing for D. imitis infection in cats is presently extremely unreliable. Also, even in cats with adult worms the prevention is still recommended in order to prevent complications with additional D. imitis larvae damaging the lungs. Currently we recommend that all cats be placed on prevention for this devastating disease that has been so elusive for decades. If you have question about this disease Dr. Washington will be happy to take a few minutes to discuss this disease with you.

Visit Auburn University's site for an exhaustive discussion of Feline Heartworm Disease

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Send comments or questions for Dr. Hugh Washington to metvet@hiwaay.net