Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with rare heartworm infection and long-lasting microfilariae
By Bruno Alberigi et al.·Published in Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária·2020·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Unusual feline Dirofilaria immitis infection: a case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was found to have a rare heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) after a blood test showed microfilariae, which are immature worms. The cat had non-specific symptoms, which can make this infection hard to detect. The diagnosis was confirmed through a blood test and an echocardiogram. While heartworm infections are more common in dogs, this case highlights that cats can also be affected, even if symptoms are mild. 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 · how to test for heartworms in cats
Abstract
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 DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612020061