Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm infection in cats in areas with many infected dogs
By Bruno Alberigi et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2022·Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro), Seropédica, Brazil, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Feline Heartworm in Clinical Settings in a High Canine Prevalence Area
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 586 cats in Brazil was tested for heartworm (HTW) infection, and 1.2% tested positive. Cats with heartworm often showed symptoms like vomiting and abnormal lung sounds. Since treatment options for infected cats are limited, prevention is crucial. This study highlights the importance of regular heartworm prevention, especially in areas where dogs are commonly infected. If your cat shows any signs of illness, it's a good idea to discuss heartworm testing and prevention with your veterinarian.
People also search for: cat vomiting heartworm · feline heartworm prevention · signs of heartworm in cats · cat lung sounds treatment
Abstract
Heartworm (HTW) infection in cats is associated with persistent pulmonary pathology, even when clinical signs are absent. Treatment options for cats are limited once infected, making prevention an important topic for discussion with cat owners. In Brazil, tests to detect feline HTW infections are unavailable, likely leading to an underestimation of its impact on the wellbeing of cats. The present study investigated the seroprevalence of HTW antigen in cats living in an area with high canine HTW prevalence and investigated risk factors and clinical signs associated with HTW disease in cats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical examinations were conducted, and serological evaluations performed with a point-of-care test (SNAP® Feline Triple® Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.). A total of 586 cats were examined. The HTW antigen seroprevalence was 1.2%. Heartworm positive results were significantly associated with vomiting and abnormal lung sounds. Results from this study indicate that cats residing in areas of high canine HTW prevalence should have HTW disease as a differential diagnosis when presenting with compatible clinical signs. Veterinarians should prioritize client education and promote regular use of effective prophylaxis to protect feline health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.819082