|
|
|
|
Heartworm Disease in Cats5 Myths and Misunderstandings, RevealedDid you know one mosquito bite can infect your cat with heartworm, a potentially destructive and insidious disease? The American Heartworm Society (AHS) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to which Dr. Petty belongs, are teaming up to get this urgent message out to cat owners through the KNOW Heartworms campaign. The campaign messages center on the five myths and misunderstandings about feline heartworm: #1 Dogs vs. Cats Heartworm disease is not just a canine disease. Heartworms affect cats differently than dogs, but the disease they cause is equally serious. #2 Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats It only takes one mosquito to infect a cat, and because mosquitoes can get indoors, both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk and should receive heartworm preventive medication. In a North Carolina study, 28 percent of the cats diagnosed with heartworm were inside-only cats. In a Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine study, in which our clinic participated, 50% of the positive cats were indoor-only. #3 It's a Heart Disease The name "heartworm disease" is a misnomer, as it mostly affects the lungs and not just the heart. Signs are often mistaken for feline asthma, allergic bronchitis or other respiratory diseases. #4 Adult Heartworms vs. Larvae Cats do not need an adult heartworm to exhibit clinical signs; in fact, larvae are a main cause of the problems. Studies show 50 percent of cats infected with heartworm larvae have significant disease of the small arteries supplying blood to the lungs. #5 Diagnosis Diagnosis is difficult as negative antigen and antibody tests do not rule out heartworm disease. Positive tests, however, are significant.
For more information on heartworm disease, contact the American Heartworm Society www.heartwormsociety.org or the American Association of Feline Practitioners www.aafponline.org For More Information Contact: |
|