FAQ

Feline heartworms

Q: What are heartworms?

A: Heartworm infection takes place when a mosquito carrying microscopic-size heartworm larvae bites a cat. The larvae enter through the bite wound where they develop in the tissues. The immature worms then enter a blood vessel and are carried to the arteries in the lung where they cause an inflammatory reaction.

Q: What are the signs of feline heartworm disease?

A: Heartworm disease in cats mostly affects the lungs, not just the heart. Symptoms are often mistaken for allergic bronchitis, feline asthma or other respiratory diseases. Signs that are often seen are:

• Anorexia
• Blindness
• Collapse
• Convulsions
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Lethargy
• Rapid heart rate
• Sudden death
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Q: Heartworms are a dog disease, right?

A: Heartworm disease is not just a dog disease. Heartworms affect cats differently, but cats can definitely become infected. Feline heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states.

Q: If my cat stays indoors, is she safe from being infected with heartworms?

A: Although outdoor cats are at a greater risk of being infected, a high percentage of cats considered by their owners to be strictly indoor pets have been diagnosed. It only takes one mosquito to infect a cat. Mosquitoes can get indoors, especially here in Florida. Please remember that both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk and should receive heartworm preventive medication.

Examinations

Q: Why should I have my cat examined?

A: To enable us to live the healthiest life possible, we understand the importance of allowing our physician to examine us at least once a year. We give our doctor the time and information he needs to direct us towards a healthy lifestyle. For humans, the annual checkup has become a routine practice. Cats can, and do, benefit from routine wellness examinations too. Especially when you consider that cats age faster than people.

Q: What do you mean cats age faster than people?

A: On average, cats reach adulthood by the age of two. By age four, your cat is entering middle age. And by the time your feline companion is seven, they are entering their senior (golden) years.

Q: How often should I have my pet examined?

A: Because of the cat aging process, taking your cat to the veterinarian for a physical exam once a year is equivalent to you seeing your doctor once every seven years. Like humans, a cat's risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and other serious medical conditions all increase with age. Early detection and prevention is vital and a physical examination at least once (twice is ideal) a year is key.

Q: What are the "subtle signs of illness?"

A: Cats are masters had hiding illness. Remember, they have a "survival of the fittest" instinct ingrained in them. Sometimes, cats can be ill for weeks and you are unaware of it. The "subtle signs of illness" are:

• Inappropriate Elimination Behavior
• Changes in Interaction
• Changes in Activity
• Changes in Sleeping Habits
• Changes in Food and Water Consumption
• Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
• Changes in Grooming
• Signs of Stress
• Changes in Vocalization
• Bad Breath

Q: When the veterinarian examines the pet, what will they do?

A: What may seem routine is actually very complex. There are numerous things that the veterinarian will do to perform a thorough physical exam on your cat. They will:

• Use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs to detect heart murmurs and/or increased lung sounds.
• Palpate the pet's abdomen to identify pain, abnormal shape and/or size of the various organs and even detect tumors.
• A special medical device is used to examine the eyes for cataracts or other potential ocular problems.
• The pet's ears will be checked for infection and other potential health issues.
• Examination of the teeth, gums and throat will be done to detect dental disease and other concerns within the oral cavity.