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Veterinarians have been telling pet owners for years
about the risk of heartworms for their dogs.
We know that dogs that don't get a once monthly
heartworm preventative are at high risk for getting
heartworms.
New research shows that along with dogs, cats may be
at risk for heartworms as well, especially in high risk
areas like South Texas. Initial studies have indicated
that between 10 and 30 percent of cats that don't get a
monthly heartworm preventative may become positive.
One recent study showed that in high risk or endemic
areas, as many as 70 percent of unprotected cats can
show evidence of heartworm exposure.
Many cat owners believe that their "indoor only" cats
may not be at risk. One recent study on feline
heartworm disease showed that 25% of cats diagnosed
with heartworms were indoor only cats.
Heartworm disease can be difficult to diagnose in cats
because the signs can be vague, non-specific, and
show similar signs of other feline disease such as
asthma.
Cats with heartworms may have more severe reactions
to the parasite than dogs do. Clinical signs of feline
heartworm disease include vomiting, coughing, difficulty
breathing,anorexia, weight loss, and even sudden
death.
At this time there are no approved products in the
United States to treat adult heartworms in cats.
Because there is no treatment for feline heartworms,
and only one heartworm can be fatal, Prevention is
the only way to protect your cat.
The American Heartworm Society
and the American Veterinary Medical Association
both recommend that cats be on monthly
heartworm prevention.
There are currently 3 products recommended by the
American Heartworm Society for prevention of feline
heartworms;
1) Revolution, a once monthly topical.
2) Heartgard, a once monthly flavor tablet.
3) Interceptor, a once monthly flavor tablet.
Because it can be difficult to give some cats oral
medications, even chewable flavor tabs, we generally
recommend Revolution for most of our cat owning
clients.
Revolution also provides protection against Fleas, Ear
Mites, Roundworms and Hookworms.
Please feel free to ask one of our Veterinarians what
monthly heartworm preventative is right for your cat.
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