Just a few days ago, a fellow shelter volunteer posted that
she’d taken her cats in for their annual exams, only to find out that one of
them tested positive for heartworm antibodies.
She posted this news as a warning to friends and fellow volunteers:
when choosing flea medication, be sure to choose a brand that will protect your
cat from heartworms as well.
Copyright American Heartworm Society |
Just a few years ago, it was unheard of to think a cat was susceptible to heartworms.
In fact had you asked me back then, I would have (mistakenly) voiced the opinion that heartworms are a canine
disease – not feline.
I could not have been more wrong.
I feel for my friend and fellow volunteer. I had the very same scare with Allie last summer. I was never more shocked than when I heard my vet tell me he wanted to test Allie for heartworms.
I feel for my friend and fellow volunteer. I had the very same scare with Allie last summer. I was never more shocked than when I heard my vet tell me he wanted to test Allie for heartworms.
Fortunately for us, Allie tested negative. The poor girl
got preventive medication slapped on her so fast she didn’t know what hit her! Unfortunately
for my friend, her kitty is already infected.
From www.marvistavet.com |
The reason it's so dangerous in cats and very small
dogs is because of the stress the heartworm places on the animal’s body. A
heartworm will take up residence in the heart and pulmonary system, where it
will grow to full size and reside for roughly three years before its life cycle
ends. During that time, a cat or small dog will often exhibit asthma-like breathing problems.
At its time of death, the heartworm then sheds a protein that places
additional stress on the animal’s system, which can lead to heart failure.
Often there is no warning: the only symptom is sudden death.
Dogs and cats are infected with heartworms by being bitten
by a mosquito. Before you say, “but my cat is indoor-only!” let me share with
you the single statement that made me into a believer: it only takes one.
Yes, my cats are indoor-only. But despite the care I take
with keeping the doors shut (after all, I wouldn’t want the cats to get out
now, would I?) there is invariably the mosquito or three that manage to get
into the house during the summer. And with the mild winter we’ve had this year,
I spotted our first mosquitos back in February.
My friend’s vet gave her the same information our vet gave
me when examining Allie: heartworms in cats is on the rise. Both vets testified to having treated more cats for
heartworm in 2011 than they did dogs. We
assume this is mainly because people aren’t used to treating their indoor cats
with heartworm preventive medication and so the cats aren't protected
Fortunately, protection is simple and effective – and since the medication is combined
with flea and tick medication, you’re still dealing with the application of a single
monthly dose.
If you have any questions about heartworm please don’t
hesitate to seek more information from your vet. And remember: never ever ever give heartworm
medication meant for a dog to your cat – it can be fatal!
One of the cats who came before us was a heartworm survivor back in the 1990's, when it was virtually unheard of in cats. It was confirmed with an ultrasound. Really spooked Mom out seeing those evil worms on Cerise's heart. The vet always called Cerise their miracle kitty because she survived. They really didn't know what to do but they put her on antibiotics and steroids for awhile. Cerise was an indoor kitty, but mosquitoes can get in the house.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that cats were susceptible to heartworm! We treat Rio for heartworm monthly but my vet has never mentioned the cats. I going to the clinic today to pick up food, I will definitely ask about this while I'm there!!!
ReplyDeleteHi that was very interesting and my flea medication covers me for the problem we have here which is lungworm from slugs and snails and with all the rain we have been having they are everywhere. Thank you very informative. Have a happy Monday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Oh, this is so scary! But knowledge and prevention are so valuable. And now we know. Thank you, friends!
ReplyDeleteSkeery! We'll have our Mommy look into this immediately. Thanks fur the info!
ReplyDeleteYou just scared the beejesus out of my human, even though we are in a low risk area! Now she wants to get ALL us cats checked out. Ick, but I guess it has to be done.
ReplyDeleteThat is important news! Kitties can use Revolution (topical), Heartgard soft chews for cats, or Interceptor chewable tablets in the cat dose. Unfortunately, Novartis is still not manufacturing Interceptor so that is hard to find.
ReplyDeleteYes! We use Revolution at our home. Didn't know Heartguard came as a chew. We think we would probably spit that out though...
DeleteWe agrees! Heart worm was first found in Canada where we lives. Even though we only visited here in the summers for the last 10 years, Mommy and Daddy made sure we was all (cats included) taking heart worm medications. Our Calgary vets used to say us cats did not need it but wes gots it anyway. One once of prevention is worth one pound of cure!
ReplyDeleteKisses
Nellie
We will make sure that we've been tested fer heartworm!
ReplyDeletevery good info...I never go out and am only anifamily member...but impawtant for dogs and cats to know about
ReplyDeleteThanks
ReplyDelete