Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First confirmed heartworm infection in a cat diagnosed in Brazil
By BARBARA B. PEREIRA et al.·Published in Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências·2018·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection: first case report of serological diagnosis in Brazil, confirmed by molecular assay
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old female cat was diagnosed with heartworm infection after showing signs of respiratory distress, weakness, and weight loss. The diagnosis was made using a test designed for dogs, as there wasn't a specific test for cats available in Brazil. Unfortunately, despite the diagnosis, the cat's condition worsened, and she passed away a few weeks later. During the examination after her death, a heartworm was found in her pulmonary artery, confirming the infection. This case highlights the need for better heartworm prevention in cats, similar to what is done for dogs in areas where the disease is common.
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Abstract
Abstract The clinical importance of heartworm infection in cats has indeed increased in recent years. Dirofilaria immitis infection has been reported worldwide in cats and continues to be regularly diagnosed in endemic areas. The diagnosis can be overlooked easily, especially in Brazil, where there is not a specific feline immunodiagnostic test, forcing the veterinarians to use a test made for the canine host. In 2015, a 10-year-old female neutered cat was diagnosed with D. immitis using an antigen serological test, based on imunocromatography and designed for dogs. The modified Knott test was negative. As the disease progressed, the cat showed clinical signals of respiratory distress, such as dyspnoea and polypnea in addition to prostration and emaciation, and died a few weeks after the diagnosis. During necropsy, one adult nematode was found in the pulmonary artery. D. immitis infection was confirmed by molecular amplification, performed in the worm fragment. This is the first report of serological diagnosis of feline dirofilariasis in Brazil. A chemoprophylaxis routine in cats should be done, as is done in dogs from endemic areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201820170063