Gravity of the Philharmonic Cat
Generally, heartworm disease affects cats with a prevalence of 20% less than dogs.
Furthermore, Filaria-infested cats have fewer adult parasites than those found in dogs.
This occurs because, in the feline species, the parasites, in addition to having a longer maturation time (they become adult breeders at the 8th-9th month, compared to the 6th in the dog), have a smaller number of infecting larvae ( L3) that reaches sexual maturity and finally because their average life in the definitive host is of short duration, up to a maximum of 24-30 months.
Even if the presence of only one adult parasite in the heart of cats infested by Filaria, can cause the death of the animal, if they are found generally from 2 to 5.
Symptoms
The clinical symptoms, usually found in cats with Filaria parasites, are respiratory, such as coughing and / or dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).
In addition, vomiting, anorexia (lack of appetite), lethargy (state of continuous sleep), tachycardia (increased heart rate) may also appear, with even - albeit rarely - sudden death (believed to be due to thromboembolism and severe respiratory failure) .
Treatment and Prevention
Preventive treatment, to prevent the cat from developing Filaria adults, is usually not necessary, because:
- the parasitic charge in this species is low;
- the feline does not represent a significant host for the transmission of the parasite to other animals;
- the microfilariae (L3) that could reach sexual maturity are in small numbers;
- there is a good possibility that a sick cat may spontaneously reach a recovery due to the short life span of the parasite.
Nevertheless, it is possible that cases of deaths due to Filaria infestation in the cat may occur.
For this reason, in Italy, there are products to be used for the prevention of cardiopulmonary cat filariasis, such as Ivermectin in tablet form (CARDOTEK-30 FX®), Selamectin in spot on (STONGHOLD), Milbemycin in tablets (MILBEMAX®GATTI).
These products are administered at the same rate as those listed for dog heart disease prevention.
