Dangerous disease of cats dirofiljarioz, called still heart worms, is caused by helminths of group cardiomatid Dirofylaria. In Latin, this name means "evil thread": some individuals of these helminths reach a length of 35 cm. These worms are localized mainly in the heart: the aorta, the pulmonary artery, the heart bag. Sometimes cardiac worms can be under the skin, in the eyes, spinal cord and brain. In addition to cats, dogs and even humans are prone to infection with dirofilariasis.
The carriers of cardiac worms are mosquitoes and fleas that are infected by the larvae of these helminths.
Symptoms of dirofilariasis
Symptoms of cat infection with dirofilariasis are as follows:
- weight loss;
- fatigue and weakness;
- wheezing in the lungs and dry cough;
- swelling of the extremities;
- noises and heart rhythm disturbances;
- dyspnea;
- purulent vesicles and ulcers on the skin;
- abaissement of wool.
Disease of dirofilariasis in cats can occur in acute or chronic form. If there are few worms in the cat's body, then it is very difficult to notice. However, if there is a strong infection, heart and kidney failure may develop, an increase in internal organs: the liver, kidneys, and spleen. Hepatitis and pancreatitis, pyelonephritis and pneumonia can occur, the central nervous system is disrupted.
Since the cat is relatively small, the disease is more severe than, for example, a dog, and quite often the animal dies.
Treatment of dirofilariasis in cats
It is extremely difficult to diagnose dirofilariasis in cats, none of the studies gives 100% confirmation of the diagnosis. Effective drugs for heart worms, too, yet. If there are adult helminths in the body that threaten her life, some experts advise surgical treatment. However, such an operation is unpopular today, as it is difficult to perform and requires special equipment. Since it is difficult to cope with adult individuals of cardiac worms, prevention of dirofilariasis comes to the fore. Very effective are the microfilaria drugs Milbemax , Stronghold, Advocate, which for the prevention should regularly handle the cat.