By: Dr. Kristen Cullen, Windcrest Animal Hospital

Pumpkin, a 13 year old cat, presented as an emergency to Windcrest Animal Hospital after she started coughing violently at home. She had some vomiting and she refused to eat. Her owner was concerned as Pumpkin had a similar episode several years previously, but not as severe. On arrival, she had a full physical exam which revealed that her lung sounds were harsh, indicating that she was not moving air easily through the airways. She was breathing more rapidly than what is normal for a cat. She also had a quiet heart murmur.

Because there are many serious diseases that can cause similar signs in an older cat (feline asthma, heart disease, cancer, and heartworm infection), additional tests were done to see what could be done to help Pumpkin. Radiographs (x-rays) were taken of her chest which allowed us to evaluate her lungs and heart. Her blood vessels were slightly enlarged, and her lungs showed signs of inflammation. Bloodwork was done which did not show any serious changes.

At this time we had narrowed our potential causes for Pumpkin’s illness to feline asthma, and decided to send out an additional blood test to the lab to see if Pumpkin had been exposed to heartworms. Pumpkin spent the day in the hospital for observation, during which time no coughing or vomiting was seen. She was started on oral prednisone to help control the inflammation in her lungs and to help ease her breathing. She went home that evening for her owner to continue to monitor and administer daily medication.

Several days later, the blood test results returned indicating that Pumpkin had tested positive for heartworm exposure! Heartworm disease was once believed only to affect dogs. It occurs when mosquitos carrying the Dirofilaria immitus larvae (immature heartworms) bite an animal and the larvae are injected into the tissue. They then migrate to blood vessels where they enter the general circulation, pass through the heart, and to the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. There the larvae feed and grow. When they are mature, they pose the greatest risk to a cat. Eventually the worm dies, and causes massive inflammation leading to a variety of clinical signs.

Signs of infection in cats can be very vague, from lethargy, difficulty breathing, coughing, and a rapid heart rate. Heartworm infection has been found to be associated with feline asthma. It can also look like an upset stomach causing a decreased appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. Heartworm infection is also a cause of sudden, unexpected death. Once diagnosed, there is no treatment other than medications to control the inflammation it causes.

The good news is that heartworm disease can be prevented!! There are easy to apply, once monthly, topical medications that stop the immature worms from developing. It just may save your favorite feline friend an emergency visit or worse, their life.

Dr. Kristen Cullen, DVM grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She studied animal science at the University of Minnesota and graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She twice received the AKC Veterinary Scholarship Award. After graduation, she decided to leave the Midwest for a small animal rotating medical and surgical internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Cullen then completed a two-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania. This has given her a unique and valuable background in evaluating and treating pediatric patients, reproductive disorders and genetic diseases.

Dr. Cullen has been active in purebred dogs for almost 20 years, starting as a junior handler, and now as a breeder/exhibitor. She is a regular columnist for Keeshonden Magazine and has given talks to various breed clubs around the country. She has bred and handled multiple Keeshonden to group and specialty wins.

Dr. Cullen is available for ovulation timing, artificial insemination, chilled semen collection, and reproductive evaluation. She also can assist breeders’ needs with health screening, puppy evaluations, and counseling. Dr. Cullen is available by appointment.

WINDCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency

HOCKESSIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643 Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302) 239-9464

TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648