Clinical Signs of Heartworm Disease
Acute or per acute Feline Heartworm disease:
Usually caused by dead worm embolization, anaphylaxis-like reaction or migration of worms to the central nervous system. Signs include:
- Salivation
- Tachycardia
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Syncope
- Ataxia
- Circling
- Head tilt
- Blindness
- Seizure and
- Death
Chronic Feline Heartworm disease may include:
- cough
- dyspnea
- anorexia
- weight loss lethargy
- exercise intolerance
- vomiting and
- signs of right-sided heart failure
Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats can be difficult and there is no approved treatment for it, so prevention is the best approach. Monthly prevention such as NexGard Combo is recommended, and it can be used in kittens as young as 2 months old. Additionally, it's important to bring your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups to maintain their overall health and receive recommendations on the most suitable preventative measures for your cat.