Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rare heartworm infection with long microfilariae in a cat
By Alberigi, Bruno et al.·Published in Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria·2020·Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veteriná, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Unusual feline Dirofilaria immitis infection: a case report.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A random-bred cat infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was found to have a rare heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) after a blood test showed tiny worms in its blood. The cat had non-specific symptoms, which can be common with this type of infection, and the presence of the worms was confirmed through additional tests, including an echocardiogram. Although heartworm is more common in dogs, it can be serious in cats, even with low levels of infection. The cat's treatment plan would depend on the severity of the infection and symptoms, so it's important for owners to discuss options with their veterinarian.
People also search for: cat heartworm symptoms · feline leukemia virus treatment · how to treat heartworm in 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 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32785525/