Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical removal of heartworms from a cat's right atrium
By Borgarelli, M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1997·Clinica Veterinaria Valsusa, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical removal of heartworms from the right atrium of a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with heartworms was experiencing serious breathing problems due to the worms causing heart enlargement. The veterinarian used an ultrasound to locate the heartworms and then performed surgery to remove them through a catheter inserted into the cat's neck. After the surgery, the cat received supportive treatments including heparin, prednisone, and antibiotics. Thanks to these interventions, the cat was able to fully recover from the heartworm infection.
People also search for: cat heartworm symptoms · heartworm surgery for cats · cat breathing problems treatment
Abstract
As few as 2 adult heartworms can cause cardiac enlargement and severe respiratory compromise in cats. Use of echocardiography to view heartworms may indicate whether surgical removal is possible. Aided by fluoroscopy, manual insertion of a catheter that contains basket-type retrieval forceps into the right atrium, via jugular venotomy, may permit removal of adult heartworms from cats. Surgical removal of heartworms and supportive treatment with heparin, prednisone, and antibiotics may result in complete recovery from heartworm infection in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9215414/