Symptoms:
Some cats show no signs of heartworm. Others may be misdiagnosed with asthma or an allergic reaction. A lack of appetite, weight loss, respiratory distress, coughing, vomiting, or lethargy are all possible symptoms. In severe cases, heartworm infection can be fatal.
Diagnosis/Treatment:
Because the symptoms of heartworm are nonspecific, it can be difficult to diagnose. Veterinarians now have in-house testing that can detect the heartworm antigen and only takes a few minutes to run. A reference laboratory can also perform heartworm antigen and antibody tests on cats, and the combination of tests can be especially helpful in making a diagnosis. X-rays may also be used to determine the stage of infection and the extent of lung and airway damage. A heart ultrasound may reveal the presence of adult worms as well as changes in heart or lung function caused by heartworms.
Currently, no specific treatment for feline heartworm disease has been proven to be effective. In asymptomatic cats, no treatment may be recommended other than monthly preventatives to prevent re-infection.
If your cat is exhibiting symptoms, your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce coughing and wheezing. When a patient has trouble breathing in an emergency, hospitalization and close monitoring are usually recommended, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Corticosteroids, other medications such as drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators), and oxygen therapy may be needed in combination.
