| Description:
|
Feline heartworm disease
is a recognized clinical problem in cats worldwide and
is increasing in importance. Dirofilaria immitis, the
causative agent of heartworm disease in cats is the
same agent responsible for heartworm disease in cats.
The variety of clinical signs attributed to heartworm
infection in the cat and difficulties in diagnosing
infection have resulted in a disease which heretofore
has been considered a medical curiosity. However, the
geographical distribution of heartworm disease in domestic
cats is the same as that of dogs, but at lower prevalence
rate. A survey conducted in USA of heartworm-infected
cats demonstrated a prevalence of 4% to 10% in the shelter
cat population. The incidence of disease in cats may
be as high as 15% in endemic areas. Heartworm disease
may be acute or chronic in the cat. Acute signs may
be associated with pulmonary or central nervous system
disease. More commonly, clinical signs associated with
disease are dyspnea, coughing, vomiting, lethargy and
anorexia. |
