How To Deal With Heart Worm In Cats.

Dirofilaria immitis is the scientific name of the heartworm both in cats and dogs . Heartworm in cats is a potentially serious ailment for your pussy cat and this article points out the causes and symptoms as well as heartworm treatment and prevention in cats.

Causes

Heartworms are introduced by mosquito bites and when the larvae grow they hatch into fully grown worms, these bloodsucking worms take up residence in the right side of the heart and/or the pulmonary arteries. The cat heartworm generally, has a relatively short life of 2 -3 years and the pussycat's immune system produces an antigen to fight against them in their pre-larva stage.

Symptoms

Heartworms lead to various major acute conditions that include heart failure, blocked arteries, coughing, wheezing, laboured breathing, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, loss of weight and in extreme cases, death. If your kitty (or dog) has been bitten by mosquitoes then she is liable to a heartworm ailment.

Treatment

Heartworm is a very serious situation which needs to be treated by your veterinarian as the worms are parasite that will feast on the vital areas around your cat's heart and the arteries to the lungs. Your vet will be able to carry out various proceedures to determine the presence and severity of the heartworm problem.

The various tests your vet can carry out will include blood tests and X-rays which detect the presence of heartworm. An antigen test detects proteins in the bloodstream from the breakdown of the worm. Ultrasound tests produce an image of the heart and the pulmonary arteries and are another aid in tackling the problem.

There is no best heartworm treatment and it is not just the live heartworms that are damaging your cat. The dead and dying cause complications too. As the worms die after 2-3 years, they can constrict the arteries of the heart and lungs causing further problems. However, some vets administer steroids to reduce the inflammation of the lungs and the arteries feeding the lungs.

Commonly, medicines use a low dose of insecticide to kill any growing microfilariae in your cat's bloodstream. Natural herbal preventatives work in a similar fashion and are kinder to your cat's system. Even so, these heartworm treatment do NOT kill adult heartworms, so I recommend regular 6 monthly checkups for heartworm.

Prevention

My mantra is that prevention is better than cure and as there is no cure for heartworm in cats it is imperative to take the appropriate precautions. The normal rules of keeping your cat healthy apply and include a natural, well balanced diet of fresh raw foods with garlic and yeast mixed in from time to time. These two natural additives will assist to keep the mosquitoes away.

Plenty of extra pure water should always be accessible, particularly if you have an indoor kittycat. Indoor kitties are less likely to become infected than those living outside but heartworm prevention is far better practiced for all cats just to be on the safe side.

If you live in a mosquito-ridden locality, you will have take precautionary action before the season and continue with the treatment through to its conclusion. Citronella oil and water is a original insect repellent you can use to keep mosquito bites down to a minimum.

Preventative medicines and treatments are being continuously cultivated year after year looking for a remedy. So by all means to speak to your veterinary surgeon and discover which heartworm prevention treatment is currently the best to use. This way, you can prevent your kitty from becoming sick and possibly dying through those filthy bloodsucking parasites known as dirofilaria immitis or those horrible heartworms!.

Why You Microchip Your Cats - The Benefit Of Microchips Discussed
If your pet strays, it may be gone for days, weeks or even forever. Undoubtedly, this will cause distress to you, your family and your pet. Micro-chipping provides your pet with a secure proof of identity.

Outside Rabbit Hutches- Tips To Look At When Selecting Or Making One For Your Furry Pet Bunny
Outdoor rabbit hutches make a good home for your pet bunny if you can't leave your rabbit inside for some reason. What those reasons are vary from home to home. Whatever your reason be sure to follow these quick tips on providing your .....

Ware Rabbit Hutches - High Quality & Economical Housing For Your Pet Rabbit Which Look Excellent In The Yard
What makes Ware rabbit hutches such a good way to house your pet bunny? If you are looking for a home for your rabbits, Ware rabbit hutches certainly deserve more than one look. Not only do they look great in the yard but they also...

How Rabbit Hutches And Runs Can Keep The Rabbits In And Keep Predators Out?
I'm sure you know that a rabbit needs its exercise. There isn't much room in a rabbit cage for movement let alone exercise. Without exercise your rabbit is not being allowed its strength and without exercise they're likely to become less able to ward of diseases.

Betty White At The Young Age Of Just Ninety Years Still A Pet Spay And Neuter Campaigner
Betty White just turned Ninety years old. But on her birthday, she did not ask for lavish gifts. Betty White asked for donations to the Morris Animal Foundation where she has been a trustee since 1971.

Menu

Related Articles