Podcasts

What you need to know about heartworm disease in cats with Dr. Tom Nelson | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we discuss you need to know about heartworm disease in cats. We know cats contract heartworms just like dogs, through the bite of an infected mosquito. We know that heartworms can be deadly in cats. And that heartworm preventives are highly effective in preventing disease. Yet there are many differences and much that veterinarians simply don’t know about heartworm disease in cats. Today, our guest is Dr. Tom Nelson, who is Medical Director of the Animal Medical Centers of Northeast Alabama in Anniston, Alabama, and Research Chair on the board of directors for the American Heartworm Society. Tune in to learn how heartworm disease itself is a very different disease in cats versus dogs, and why the American Heartworm Society recommend that ALL cats be protected from heartworms even if they live indoors? Learn when and how cats should be tested, and what the AHS guidelines say about treatment of adult heartworms in infected cats.

Today’s VETgirl podcast is sponsored by the American Heartworm Society, whose mission it is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the understanding of heartworm disease. The AHS has a wealth of resources available on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment, prevalence maps, FAQs, client education materials and more. Get a 1-year membership for 50% off with the code AHS50 for new members. Got to heartwormsociety.org for more information, but act fast, as this deal expires in May of 2022.

  1. Thank you for the podcast! Should all cats that are diagnosed with asthma be tested for heartworm with a heat-treated Ag test if a standard Ag is negative, and have an Ab test? Should all asthmatic cats be tested for lungworms, and toxoplasmosis? If negative or cannot be tested, treat prophylactically?

  2. Thank you for the podcast! Should all cats that are diagnosed with asthma be tested for heartworm with a heat-treated Ag test if a standard Ag is negative, and have an Ab test? Should all asthmatic cats be tested for lungworms, and toxoplasmosis? If negative or cannot be tested, treat prophylactically?

    • It’s rare for cats to get lungworm, so it depends on where you live and if they are predominantly outdoors. For an asthmatic cat, I do think it’s worth testing an Ab Ag test and using preventative to be safe.

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!