Heartworm disease in cats is on the rise and the number of cats diagnosed with this disease continues to increase. Its prevalence has increased because we live in such a mobile society - people and their pets travel from place to place, unknowingly taking parasites along for the ride. Cats of any age and type are susceptible, and the disease can be fatal.
The parasitic worm responsible for heartworm disease is called Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm disease transmission begins when a mosquito bites an infected dog and draws in a small amount of blood in which tiny immature heartworm larvae are circulating. (Dogs are the usual reservoir from which mosquitoes acquire the larvae that become infective and may be transmitted to animals that include dogs and cats).
Within 2 to 3 weeks
the heartworm larvae develop inside the mosquito. When that same mosquito then
bites a cat, heartworm larvae are deposited on the cat's skin. The larvae
migrate through the tissue and into the bloodstream where they continue to
develop. Within 4 months, heartworms reach the heart and lungs and may cause
heartworm disease. As few as one heartworm may cause permanent damage or even
death in cats. Diagnosing heartworm disease may require several tests because
blood tests that work well for dogs are not always reliable in cats. There is
no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease.
Whether your cat is an
"outdoor" or "indoor" pet, it's at risk of exposure to
heartworms. Fortunately, heartworm disease in cats can be prevented. The preventive
medication protects against heartworm disease and also several internal
parasites as well! Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention for your
cat today!
By Sheila Casler, Practice Manager NHAH
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