Parkway Animal Hospital's

PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO

Heartworm Disease In Cats

Cats get heartworms too!!!! Even cats living totally indoors have been diagnosed with heartworms.

HOW DO CATS GET HEARTWORM DISEASE?

Cats get heartworm disease in the same way that dogs do. MOSQUITOES transmit the disease by biting an already infected animal, and then pass the infection on to other animals they bite. Indoor cats are not totally safe. Any mosquito that enters the house may bite the cat transmitting heartworm disease to them. EVEN ONE WORM can be fatal in the cat.

SIGNS OF HEARTWORM DISEASE:

Coughing, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and weight loss may be observed. However, sudden death can also occur. There is testing available where disease is suspected.

THERE IS NO GOOD SOLUTION ONCE THE CAT IS INFECTED WITH HEARTWORMS:

Treatment of the infection has a high chance of serious complications, including death! Instead of eliminating the infection we treat symptomatically with anti-inflammatory and supportive care.

PREVENTION IS AVAILABLE:

A preventive, Heartgard For Cats, is available as meat-based chewable tablets. It may be given whole by hand, in pieces, or mixed in food. Each dose gives your cat a full month of protection and gives you peace of mind that your kitty is protected. The medication should be given all year long in this area.

Addition heartworm information may be found here: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/

OUR MISSION:

"We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."