Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Dogs infected with heartworms have many adult worms in their
bodies, whereas cats may only have one to three worms. Smaller worm
loads in cats make diagnosis more difficult.
Treating Heartworms
Sudden death can occur in cats infected with heartworms due to
embolization. This is because clots (emboli) caused by the worms can
lodge in the heart, brain or lungs and block blood flow. There are
potential complications regardless of the treatment used.
The toxicity and side effects of treatments that kill adult heart-
worms (adulticides) in cats are considered more of a risk than living
with the parasites for cats who have mild clinical signs. Depending on
their location in the heart, worms can sometimes be removed with spe-
cial forceps or brushes. Adult worms usually only live for about two
years in cats, so if the clinical signs they are creating can be controlled
medically, adulticides are not used. Conservative medical treatment
consists of using cortisone to control the inflammation caused by the
worms in the airways.
