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*Veterinarians serving Clayton, Garner, and surrounding areas since 1986* |
My sister who lives in this area recently lost her pet of many years. Smokey was a beautiful six year old gray tabby, and one of my sister's closest companions. He had been coughing for some time, and vomiting occasionally, but we didn't think much about it. Then several weeks ago my sister found him dead. At the urging of her veterinarian a necropsy (animal autopsy) was performed. Now she is telling me her cat died from heartworm disease. I think she may have misunderstood what the veterinarian told her. Do cats get heartworm disease like dogs do, and could it have been responsible for killing her cat so suddenly? And if so why isn't there a preventative for cats like there is for dogs? |
You've asked a lot of good questions. In fact, cats can get heartworms when bitten by infected mosquitoes, just like dogs. However, cats seem to be better at fighting off heartworm infections than dogs. Studies suggest that the incidence of heartworm disease in cats is only about 10% of that in unprotected dogs. While this statistic may seem comforting at first, when you consider that MOST unprotected dogs in this area will become infected, it follows that as many as 10% of our unprotected cats may be infected as well. The increasing problem with feline heartworm disease is probably the result of an increasing awareness about a problem that may have been around for a long time. Many of the cats that experienced sudden death, or died due to respiratory disease, may have been suffering from heartworm disease. Unfortunately, cats have smaller hearts than most dogs, and even one heartworm can lead to clinical disease. The most common sign of heartworm disease in cats is coughing or difficulty breathing. Vomiting is also a common symptom. Some cats will show no signs except sudden death. Unlike with dogs, there is no good way to treat cats infected with heartworm disease. This makes prevention the best treatment. You ask why there isn't a heartworm preventative for cats. Well now there is! Heartgard for cats is currently available through your veterinarian. This convenient once-a-month pill is very effective at keeping cats heartworm free, and all cats in this area should be taking it. This includes indoor cats, who are found to be infected at a surprisingly high rate. If your cat isn't currently on heartworm preventative, call your veterinarian today and ask about getting started. Your cat will thank you for it! |