Feline heartworm disease: A'Rubik's-cube-like' diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Journal of Veterinary Cardiology : the Official Journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology
L VencoS Manzocchi

Abstract

Feline heartworm disease presents a unique diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive challenge for veterinarians. Due to the elusive clinical nature and peculiar physiopathology of heartworm infection in cats, a multistep diagnostic process is mandatory. Clinical signs may be absent or atypical. At the present time there is no single ante mortem diagnostic test that can reach a high level of sensitivity for feline heartworm infection. The most efficient approach for the diagnosis of feline heartworm disease is based upon a synergic association of several tests: thoracic radiography and serum antibody tests for rising index of suspicion, and echocardiography and serum antigen tests for confirming the infection. Other tests should be considered of secondary importance, even if they can help to support the diagnosis. Treatment of feline heartworm disease is typically based on clinical signs, as adulticidal therapy is associated with a high rate of complications and cats frequently self-cure. Chemoprophylaxis, knowledge of the biology of the parasite, and a high index of suspicion seem to be the most important tools for combating feline heartworm disease.

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Citations

Oct 12, 2016·Parasites & Vectors·Dwight D BowmanRobert B Lund
Feb 21, 2018·Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·Maureen S OldachJoshua A Stern
Nov 17, 2017·Parasites & Vectors·Ta-Li LuYong-Wei Hung
Nov 17, 2017·Parasites & Vectors·Elena CarretónJosé Alberto Montoya-Alonso
Apr 25, 2020·Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·Maria Grazia PennisiKarin Möstl
Jul 28, 2017·Parasites & Vectors·José Alberto Montoya-AlonsoElena Carretón
Aug 14, 2020·Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinária = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Órgão Oficial do Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária·Bruno AlberigiFlavya Mendes-de-Almeida
Aug 27, 2019·Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·Sarah GarrityCarol Reinero
Mar 9, 2021·Veterinary Parasitology : Regional Studies and Reports·Sergio Villanueva-SazAntonio Fernández
Apr 5, 2021·Parasite : Journal De La Société Française De Parasitologie·Christine BakerDwight Bowman
May 25, 2021·International Journal for Parasitology. Drugs and Drug Resistance·Sandra NoackPaul M Selzer
Aug 12, 2021·Clinical Microbiology Reviews·Simone MorelliDonato Traversa

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