Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm prevention and care guidelines for cats in Europe
By Pennisi, Maria Grazia et al.Ā·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgeryĀ·2020Ā·European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org.Ā·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Dirofilarioses in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat can develop heartworm disease, which may lead to serious breathing problems and even sudden death. While dogs are the main hosts for heartworms, cats can also get infected, but they are not as suitable hosts, meaning fewer worms can survive. Diagnosis in cats is tricky and requires multiple tests, and if a cat shows severe symptoms, it may need intensive care and medications like prednisolone to help with inflammation. The best way to protect your cat is to give them preventive medication year-round, especially if you live in areas where heartworms are common.
People also search for: cat heartworm symptoms Ā· how to prevent heartworm in cats Ā· cat breathing problems treatment
Abstract
OVERVIEW: andthe most important filarial worms, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively.is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe. LIFE CYCLE AND INFECTION: Filarial worms infect mainly dogs, but also cats, ferrets, wild carnivores and humans. The life cycle involves an intermediate mosquito host. Compared with dogs, cats are imperfect hosts for dirofilarial worms. After inoculation, only a low number of L3 larvae develop to the adult stage in a small percentage of cats. Heartworm disease in cats may be associated with severe pulmonary thromboembolism and an eosinophilic inflammatory response in the lungs, potentially leading to sudden death. Otherwise self-cure occurs in most cases after 18-48 months. Subcutaneous dirofilariosis may present as subcutaneous nodules or dermatitis. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: Diagnosis in cats is more difficult compared with dogs and needs a multistep approach (antigen and antibody tests, as well as diagnostic imaging). Cats with acute heartworm disease require stabilisation within an intensive care unit. Cats with respiratory signs or suggestive radiographic changes should receive prednisolone and follow-up with a similar multistep approach. Adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats. PREVENTION: In endemic areas cats should receive year-round chemoprophylaxis from 2 months of age.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32326862/