Dramatic Rise in Feline Heartworm Cases at Adobe Pet Hospital
Protect Your Cat Today!

We have had 16 cats test positive for feline heartworm disease, including 3 indoor cats, in the first 11 months of this year! In a recent study published by Dr. Stephen Ettinger it is predicted that California will lead the nation in the incidence feline heartworm disease with infection rates averaging just over 30%! While many dogs regularly take a monthly preventative, most cats are not protected.

Although heartworm is usually seen less frequently in cats than dogs, the disease poses a much greater danger. The outcome is often fatal.

There currently are no drugs approved for fighting heartworm in cats. Cats can be treated with canine medications, but this can lead to dangerous side effects, including lung failure and death. Another approach to battle the disease is by treating the symptoms, with hopes of the cat outliving the worms (heartworms live within a cat for about two years). However, this approach can result in sudden death as the worms exit through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs.

There are no consistent clinical signs of heartworm in cats. Common clues include coughing and rapid breathing. Other signs include weight loss and vomiting. However, all of these signs are also common in other diseases. A simple blood test can rule out exposure but diagnosis of adult heartworm disease can involves additional outside laboratory tests, radiographs, and ultrasound studies.

The good news is that INTERCEPTOR heartworm prevention is available for cats. This is a simple once a month medication that is very effective in cats and kittens. In addition to preventing heartworm disease, INTERCEPTOR de-worms your cat for dangerous intestinal parasites that can cause serious health problems in humans if we accidentally become infected.