Even Indoor Cats Can Get Heartworms, Riley Options

[AlleysMama]

Hi everyone. Its been a while since I've been around here, but things have been super busy.

I just want to discuss heartworms in cats and mention that indoor cats are not safe from infection. I know this because last August, Riley started having these coughing/wheezing fits. After doing the standard tests and x-rays, they sent off for a heartworm panel and he came back negative.

Unlike dogs, there is NO treatment for heartworm in cats. The drug used to kill the worms in dogs is toxic to cats. Cats have much fewer worms, only 2-3 instead of dozens like dogs can get. The problem is that you have to wait for the worms to die off on their own. When they do, they can get into the lungs and cause sudden death. Thankfully Riley is out of danger in this regard because his last tests were negative which means he has successfully fought off the infection and no longer even has the positive antibody test.

However, he now has chronic bronchial inflammation and will need medication for life. Thousands of dollars spent on vet visits, x-rays and cardiac ultrasound later, we're currently working on adjusting his doses of oral prednisolone until we can get him on the lowest possible dose which still prevents the asthma attacks. Oral steriods can cause serious side effects, so the less he takes, the better. They do have inhaled meds for cats which I hope to be able to do eventually but its super expensive and just not something I can do right now.

He also now takes heartgard preventative monthly. Since he already has lung damage, another infection would be extremely bad. Eventually I would also like to look into some natural or holistic alternatives to the heartgard but haven't found anything helpful yet.

Anyways, I just wanted to share my story with everyone. Riley has been 100% indoors and I've never seen a mosquito in my apartment, but apparently one was there and that is all it takes.


some info about heartworm in cats http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Health/Cat...W_Too_Final.pdf

Here is my pretty boy (left), with his brother Xander.

[katzen11]

thanks for the info
and the just beautiful photo
of Your two beautiful boys !
Eva
Jim
Lix (Plüsch)

[Bue's Mommy]

OMG, AlleysMama I just love your kittiez.
Thank you for telling us about the heartworm, I had no idea indoor cats fell victim to this.
What really surprises me, is that there's to treatment for it.


Thanks again