Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pneumothorax caused by heartworm infection in two cats
By Smith, J W et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1998·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Pneumothorax secondary to Dirofilaria immitis infection in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax, which is when air leaks into the chest cavity, caused by a heartworm infection. One cat had been coughing for three weeks, while the other had been vomiting and having trouble breathing for 11 months. The vet treated the pneumothorax by removing air from the chest and providing supportive care. After confirming the heartworm infection through tests, both cats were given corticosteroids, which improved their symptoms. Fortunately, both cats had good outcomes and recovered well.
People also search for: cat coughing and vomiting · cat heartworm treatment · why is my cat having trouble breathing
Abstract
Dirofilariasis was diagnosed in 2 cats with spontaneous pneumothorax. One cat had a 3-week history of a cough, and the other had an 11-month history of vomiting and tachypnea. Pneumothorax was managed in cats by thoracocentesis and supportive care. Diagnosis of dirofilariasis was made on the basis of heartworm antigen and antibody test results and radiographic findings. Clinical signs of heartworm infection improved after treatment with corticosteroids. Cats had good extended outcomes. Heartworm disease should be one of the differential diagnoses considered in cats with spontaneous pneumothorax.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9656031/