Heartworm Disease in Cats is Incurable and Preventable

There are numerous chronic health conditions facing cats today. Most of them can be managed effectively with little impact on quality of life or longevity. But among the different types of potential health concerns, heartworm disease in cats stands alone.
Spread by the bite of a single infected mosquito, a heartworm infection is fatal for felines. The good news is that year round adherence to your cat’s parasite prevention greatly reduces the risk.
The Straight Story
Cats are not the only pets that suffer from heartworm disease. Dogs and ferrets are good hosts to this parasite as well as various wildlife such as wolves, foxes, coyotes and sea lions.
Heartworm treatment for these other animals exists, but it is toxic in cats. That means that the only defense against heartworm disease in cats is complete prevention.
True Science
Dirofilaria immitis, the microscopic parasitic worm responsible for causing heartworm disease in cats, is directly deposited into the bloodstream from an infected mosquito’s bite.
After about 8 months, the larvae grow and develop inside the subcutaneous tissues. As they mature, they reproduce and move to the muscle tissues and stop in the right ventricle and arteries of the heart and the lungs.
All in the Timing
Heartworms don’t have to be full-size to cause problems, and even between 6-100 days after initial infection they can be detected with a simple blood test. Inflammation in the small arteries surrounding the lungs can lead to damage of the small airways and air sacs that enable gas exchange.
Deep Breaths
Many feline infections compromise the pulmonary arteries which are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, or HARD, is characterized by the lung disease caused by heartworms.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Some cats launch an immune system response strong enough to kill the parasitic worms. In other cases, heartworm disease in cats will develop without obvious signs. That being said, however, the following symptoms of an infection can often include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite/weight loss
- Lethargy
- Respiratory difficulty
- Coughing or gagging
Heartworm disease in cats is incurable. Some cats with the diagnosis may not live very long or without sizable pain. Some cases result in sudden death.
Changing Course
There are diagnostic tests that determine the presence and location of heartworms, such as blood tests, chest x-rays, and ultrasound. Cats diagnosed with HARD can benefit from supportive treatments. Intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and heart medication can potentially extend a cat’s life.
Protect Your Cat
Georgia’s mosquito seasons never really disappear, but numbers skyrocket in spring and summer. The best thing cat owners can do to protect their cats is to routinely administer monthly heartworm medication throughout the entire year.
If you have questions or concerns about your cat’s lifestyle and health, we encourage you to contact us. Our team is always here for you at Cat Care of Vinings.
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This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…