2006-07-27 09:06:08 · 8 answers · asked by Toni 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Poor cat. Here's an article I read about hearworms in cats:
Feline Heartworm
Although heartworm is seen less frequently in cats, the disease poses a much greater danger. The outcome is often fatal.
There currently are no drugs approved for fighting heartworm in cats. Cats can be treated with canine medications, but this can lead to dangerous side effects, including lung failure and death. Another approach to battle the disease is by treating the symptoms, with hopes of the cat outliving the worms (heartworms live within a cat for about two years). However, this approach can result in sudden death as the worms exit through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs.
There are no consistent clinical signs of heartworm in cats. Common clues include coughing and rapid breathing. Other signs include weight loss and vomiting. However, all of these signs are also common in other diseases. Diagnosis is difficult for veterinarians and may include outside laboratory tests, radiographs, and ultrasound studies.
The good news is that there are heartworm prevention drugs available for cats. If you live in a heartworm infested area, or plan on visiting a heartworm area with your cat, your veterinarian can prescribe a preventive medication. These drugs are given once monthly and are very effective in cats and kittens.
Research continues into all phases of heartworm disease. For the latest advice, consult your veterinarian.
Copyright © 2006, American Animal Hospital Association
2006-07-27 09:48:15 · answer #1 · answered by lena b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is going to sound brutally honest - but your cat is going to die. The worms make the heart it's home, and slowly kill the heart muscle as they continue to multiply in your cats system. Unlike dogs, there is no treatment to kill heartworms in a cat. A very important reason that cats be treated once a month with Revolution.
2006-07-27 16:38:24 · answer #2 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat will eventually die from the heartworms if you he/she is not treated. However, the treatment is not guaranteed to work, only to slow the process, depending on how advanced the worms are. You should start your cat on Heartgard which will also slow the process if you cannot afford the treatment which ranges from $150-$300 dollars depending on your location.
2006-07-27 16:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by blazin3barrels 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means you need to take him/her to the vet, cats rarely get heartworms,heartworms are transmitted thru mosquitoes bites, is your cat outdoor kitty. if you have not taken him to vet, then i truly advise you to do so. i am not for sure how they affect cats ,but i know with all certainty that untreated in a dog can be fatal
2006-07-27 16:27:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are worms living in his/her heart. Make sure you follow the vet's orders on how to treat them.
2006-07-27 16:09:59 · answer #5 · answered by Christina 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ex-cat.
2006-07-27 16:09:48 · answer #6 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it means that worms are in her heart eating it. if she doesn't get treatment, then she will die a slow death, unfortunately.
so, take her to the vet and get it taken care of as soon as you can. there are cures now.
take care.
2006-07-27 16:21:59 · answer #7 · answered by joey322 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there a worms eating his heart. take care of him.
2006-07-27 16:09:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋