Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm infection risk and rates in cats from northern Florida
By Levy, Julie K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2003·Department of Small Animal 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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats from northern Florida.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study of 630 adult cats in northern Florida found that 4.9% had heartworms, while 17% showed signs of previous exposure to the parasite. Male cats were more likely to be infected than females, but there was no link between heartworm infection and other viruses like feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency. Since even one heartworm can lead to serious health issues or death in cats, it's recommended that all cats in this area receive preventive treatment for heartworms.
People also search for: heartworm prevention for cats · signs of heartworm in cats · male cat heartworm risk
Abstract
Necropsies were performed on 630 adult cats in northern Florida to determine the prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats of this region. Heartworms were identified in 4.9% of cats, and serological evidence of heartworm exposure was present in 17% of cats. Not all cats from which heartworms were recovered were seropositive for heartworm antigen or antibody. There was no association between heartworm infection and co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Male cats were at higher risk of infection with heartworm, FeLV, or FIV than were females. Because even a single heartworm can cause clinical disease or death in cats, the authors conclude that cats in this region should receive heartworm prophylaxis to prevent heartworm infection.
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/14736717/