Monet and Mackie. Our practice cats.
Being an owner of “inside cats only”, it is easy to forget they need routine health care just like our dogs.
For instance, are you aware cats can become victims to Heartworm Disease? Studies have shown “inside Cats” are more likely to contract this disease then those cats that live outdoors. Research attributes this to the immunity outside cats develop from being exposed more often to the mosquito bites which carry the infectious larvae.
Currently there are no products approved to be safe for treatment of feline heartworm disease. Thus, it is very important for the health of your cat to be on year around heartworm prevention. Why give prevention year around in Macomb/Chesterfield Michigan? Most heartworm prevention also protect our feline friends from internal parasites which can cause anemia.
There are also topical products available which not only prevent heartworm disease and internal parasites, but provide flea prevention!
Cats do not routinely need to be tested for this disease like our canine friends because testing is usually inconclusive for cats. We diagnose this disease by the cat’s clinical signs (vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, coughing, gagging, rapid breathing, collapse and sudden death) and diagnostic tools such as echocardiogram, and radiographs.
If your cat is not presently on heartworm prevention, please consider the importance of using a preventive. Your cat should be examined at least once a year by a veterinarian to help you keep your cat healthy and happy!
From the “other side of the Exam table”,
Dr. Gloria Williams
