In dogs, heartworm disease is a parasitic infestation that affects the heart and lungs. Adult heartworms grow up to 10 to 12 inches in length and populate the heart and pulmonary (lung) arteries. This population can cause lung disease and heart failure.
In cats, in addition to affecting the heart and lungs, adult heartworms can grow 5 to 8 inches in length. Cats are not the natural host of heartworms, and are capable of “fighting off” the infestation, but this does cause permanent damage to the cat.
| For Dogs |
For Cats |
| Dogs are the natural host for heartworms Heartworms can grow up to 12 inches in the heart and lungs The life span of heartworms is up to 5 years 25-50 heartworms can be considered a moderate infestation Dogs Can be successfully treated once diagnosed with heartworm disease. |
Cats are not the natural host Heartworms can grow up to 8 inches in the heart and lungs Teh life span of heartworms is up to 2 years One heartworm can be a lethal infestation Heartworm disease cannot be treated, but the symptoms can be |
Early heartworm disease may not have signs. Late stages of heartworm disease may include:
In worse case scenarios, sudden death may occur before any symptoms are shown. |
Early heartworm disease may not have signs. Late stages of heartworm disease may include:
In worse case scenarios, sudden death may occur before any symptoms are shown. |