Signs Of Heartworms In Kittens
Indeed the signs of heartworm infection are quite general and can be attributed to many other causes which makes diagnosis tricky.
Signs of heartworms in kittens. Sometimes there are no symptoms and the only sign is sudden collapse or even death. Heartworm associated respiratory disease hard vomiting. A heartworm infection can be difficult to diagnose in cats as the lifecycle of heartworms in cats is shorter than in dogs and the testing markers are not always present. Weight loss and decreased energy are also common symptoms.
Some animals are given an early diagnosis of asthma but later symptoms include lack of appetite and vomiting which usually leads to more investigations being carried out. A cat with heartworm is essentially suffering from fluid around the pleural cavity as well as local irritation and so the symptoms are coughing and difficulty breathing. Your vet may want to take screening blood tests as well as doing imaging to get as much information as possible. One important thing to know about heartworms in cats is that the worms do not need to reach adulthood to start affecting a cat s health.
Respiratory issues and vomiting are the most common signs in cats with chronic infestation. Some cats also develop fluid in the belly and experience dizziness or fainting episodes when moving around. Learn the signs and symptoms of heartworm in cats to help prevent heartworm associated respiratory disease hard. Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats.
This will help your vet diagnose and manage heartworm disease. Rapid breathing coughing lack of energy poor appetite and weight loss. Some cats may have difficulty walking or suffer from fainting or seizures.