Symptoms Of Cat Heartworms

Though heartworms are often associated with dogs, cats can fall prey to these parasites too. The signs of feline heartworm disease usually first occur in late fall and early winter. Heartworms can affect both indoor and outdoor cats of any age. Cats may die from the heartworm infection, show chronic signs, or experience no symptoms.

Many cats with heartworms show signs that their bodies are struggling. Cats may lose interest in food and have weight loss. They may become lethargic and have respiratory problems such as coughing or difficulty breathing. The cat may have periods of time during which the symptoms subside. In more severe cases, the cat may have vomiting or diarrhea. The vomiting associated with cat heartworms is generally sporadic and absent of retching. Cats with advanced infections of heartworms can collapse or have convulsions.

Heartworms can migrate to other parts of the cat’s body. These heartworms can cause symptoms one would not expect from a heartworm infection. The cat may experience neurological symptoms. The cat could even develop blindness. Death from feline heartworm disease is usually due to the circulatory and respiratory problems caused by the heartworms. The respiratory failure can be caused by a blockage of the arteries to the lungs or damage to the lungs. The severity of the symptoms is not necessarily depended on the number of heartworms. Death has occurred due to the injuries sustained from a single worm.

If a cat is experiencing these symptoms, the veterinarian my do blood tests even though they may be inconclusive. Diagnosis of heartworms can be difficult. A veterinarian may notice an abnormal heart rhythm, though this is not often present or detectable. Abnormally harsh lung sounds are often evident during the exam. Radiography or an echocardiogram may be performed for diagnosis of heartworms.

Once there is a diagnosis of feline heartworm disease, the cat owner faces a difficult decision. The treatment for heartworm disease can be fatal for the cat. The simultaneous death of all the heartworms can cause distress for the cat’s body. The cat is at risk of dying from heartworm treatment. Without treatment, the cat may die from the heartworm infection. Depending on the location of the heartworms, surgical removal may be possible.