- Facts
1. Problem Definition:
Female mosquitoes are the
carriers of feline
heartworms. 
They inject these worms in the bodies of the cats
when they bite them. It takes a few months for these larvae to develop
completely; after which they attack the cat's heart.
2. Symptoms:
Loss of weight, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea will be observed. There will be a slight nasal discharge and irritation around the posterior end.
3. Duration of Problem:
It takes a few months for the worms to develop in the body of the cat. After diagnosis, it may take two to three weeks to be properly cured.
4. Exposure:
Humans can be affected if they are exposed to dogs having heartworms. They could get some respiratory disorders or even pneumonia. Hence, care must be taken while handling these worms.
- Prevention & Treatment
1. The Treatment:
One needs to consult a good vet for treatment of this as they cannot be cured through homely remedies. The medicines for this problem are quite potent, and are required in small doses.
2. Prevention:
There are no vaccines developed to prevent heartworms. But you can discuss a monthly schedule with your vet, who would give your dog some vaccines to keep this problem at bay.
3. Precautions:
Mosquitoes are the causative agents of this disease, as they pass on the parasite from one individual to other. You must prevent them from breeding in your cat's environment. It is also a good idea to have a vet checkup done when you return home from a trip, in order to ensure your cat did not pick up any heartworm parasites on the way.
4. Helpful Supplies:
There are many mosquito repellant supplies that you can use. But consult about these with the vet, as some mosquito repellants may cause allergies, or be harmful to the health of your cat. Also keep up with the vaccines that the vet will give for worms.
- Concerns
1. Level of Seriousness:
If the worms reach the cat's heart, they can grow to as long as 14 inches and cause significant damage to the heart, lungs and other vital organs. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in death.
2.
Lasting Consequences:
Heartworms cannot be completely cured. Some eggs or larvae may still remain within the body and they may reoccur from time to time.
3. Genetics:
There are no genetic links associated with this disease, but an infected mother can pass on the worms by simple infection through milk.
4. Lifestyle Accommodations:
Routine examinations should be maintained as this is disease which is not easily detectable.
5. Expense:
It takes approximately $500 - $1350 to cure this disorder; which would include the medicine costs.
