Feline Heartworm: Life Expectancy

Genchi, C., L. Venco, et al. (2008). "Feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection: A statistical elaboration of the duration of the infection and life expectancy in asymptomatic cats." Vet Parasitol 158(3): 177-182.

Heartworm disease in the cat is caused by the nematode parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. Clinical signs in affected cats range from asymptomatic infections to chronic lower respiratory tract signs and chronic vomiting. Acute death without premonitory signs may also occur. This study, conducted in Italy, aimed to assess the duration and the outcome (self-cure or death) of feline heartworm infection and the life expectancy of infected cats. Of 43 asymptomatic cats included in the study, 34 (79%) self-cured and 9 (21%) died. Eleven (26%) cats remained asymptomatic and self cured within 21–48 months, 23 (53%) showed symptoms but self-cured within 18–49 months, 6 (14%) died within 8–41 months of follow-up and 3 (7%) suddenly died after 38–40 months. The probability for death increased significantly with age at diagnosis, but no difference was detected by gender, survival time after diagnosis, or the presence or absence of clinical signs. The results of this study indicate that cats with heartworm infection may live longer than cats with other common diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or chronic renal failure.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lorentzen, L. and A. E. Caola (2008). "Incidence of positive heartworm antibody and antigen tests at IDEXX Laboratories: Trends and potential impact on feline heartworm awareness and prevention." Vet Parasitol 158(3): 183-190.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Genchi, C., L. Venco, et al. (2008). "Feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection: A statistical elaboration of the duration of the infection and life expectancy in asymptomatic cats." Vet Parasitol 158(3): 177-182.

Heartworm disease in the cat is caused by the nematode parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. Clinical signs in affected cats range from asymptomatic infections to chronic lower respiratory tract signs and chronic vomiting. Acute death without premonitory signs may also occur. This study, conducted in Italy, aimed to assess the duration and the outcome (self-cure or death) of feline heartworm infection and the life expectancy of infected cats. Of 43 asymptomatic cats included in the study, 34 (79%) self-cured and 9 (21%) died. Eleven (26%) cats remained asymptomatic and self cured within 21–48 months, 23 (53%) showed symptoms but self-cured within 18–49 months, 6 (14%) died within 8–41 months of follow-up and 3 (7%) suddenly died after 38–40 months. The probability for death increased significantly with age at diagnosis, but no difference was detected by gender, survival time after diagnosis, or the presence or absence of clinical signs. The results of this study indicate that cats with heartworm infection may live longer than cats with other common diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or chronic renal failure.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lorentzen, L. and A. E. Caola (2008). "Incidence of positive heartworm antibody and antigen tests at IDEXX Laboratories: Trends and potential impact on feline heartworm awareness and prevention." Vet Parasitol 158(3): 183-190.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Heartworm in Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Feline Heartworm: Life Cycle, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Heartworm in Cats

Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.

Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes in heartworm-endemic areas around the world. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, but cats can also be infected. In endemic areas, it is estimated that the feline infection rate is about 5-10% of the canine infection rate. While many cats infected with heartworm have no signs of disease, others may have chronic respiratory signs similar to asthma, or chronic vomiting, or acute death. Diagnosis of feline heartworm is challenging, as there is no single perfect test methodology. Treatment is also problematic as there are no adulticides judged to be safe and effective in cats. Most infected cats are managed with supportive care. A number of safe and effective drugs are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats, in both oral and topical formulations.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.
>> PubMed abstract

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.
>> PubMed abstract

KNOW Heartworms

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.

Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes in heartworm-endemic areas around the world. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, but cats can also be infected. In endemic areas, it is estimated that the feline infection rate is about 5-10% of the canine infection rate. While many cats infected with heartworm have no signs of disease, others may have chronic respiratory signs similar to asthma, or chronic vomiting, or acute death. Diagnosis of feline heartworm is challenging, as there is no single perfect test methodology. Treatment is also problematic as there are no adulticides judged to be safe and effective in cats. Most infected cats are managed with supportive care. A number of safe and effective drugs are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats, in both oral and topical formulations.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.
>> PubMed abstract

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.
>> PubMed abstract

KNOW Heartworms

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

Read More