Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rare heartworm infection with long microfilariae in a cat
By B. Alberigi et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2020·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Unusual feline Dirofilaria immitis infection: a case report.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A random-bred cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was found to have a rare heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) after a blood test showed tiny worm larvae in its blood. The cat didn't show specific symptoms, which is common with this type of infection, but the presence of the larvae was confirmed through additional tests, including an echocardiogram. Although heartworm is more common in dogs, it can be serious in cats, and this case highlights the importance of testing even when symptoms are not obvious. Treatment options would depend on the severity of the infection and the cat's overall health.
People also search for: cat heartworm symptoms · feline leukemia virus treatment · heartworm test for cats
Abstract
Cats are less susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection than dogs. Although rare, the feline disease can be fatal even with low parasitic loads. The infection is often asymptomatic or has non-specific symptoms that are mainly associated with the death of immature worms. Microfilaremia is rare and transient. Normally, microfilaremia, when present, lasts for not more than 33 days. This study describes a feline case presenting with non-specific clinical signs and prolonged microfilaremia. Case: a random bred cat infected by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that was found to be microfilaremic by chance. The infection was detected by the presence of microfilariae in a blood smear and was confirmed by antigen test (SNAP Feline Triple Test, Idexx®) and echocardiogram.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/32785525