We are pretty sure you might be acquainted with intestinal worms in pets if you are a pet owner. They are a very common cause of several diseases found in animals. But do you know about a rare worm that affects pets? It is Lungworm. Usually, outdoor animals have greater chances of contracting lungworm than the ones who like to stay inside. Thus, outdoor cats are more vulnerable to lungworms than indoor felines. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t affect indoor pets. They certainly can through the indirect transmission. Here is an insight into what exactly are lungworms, how they infect cats, symptoms of infection and the treatment needed.
What are Lungworms?
Lungworms are hair-like parasites that are transmitted by infected rodents and birds. The male lungworm is about 5-7 mm long whereas the female is a millimeter or two longer than its male counterpart. The species that specifically victimize cats is Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, also known as Feline Lungworm. Whereas, the one found in both cats and dogs is Capillaria aerophila.
How Lungworms Infect Cats?
Cats are vulnerable to lungworms because they are one of the most curious pets and always in search of good food. They roam in the woods or murky areas where most of the rodents, lizards, snails, and snugs are found that are great transmitters of lungworms. An infected organism when eaten as a meal can pass on the worms to the intestines from where they migrate to the lungs through the bloodstream. These worms then mature into adults in the respiratory bronchioles. The female worm then produces thousands of eggs that hatch into larvae. These larvae then traverse the bloodstream, finally getting eliminated through feces after reaching the stomach.
Symptoms Of Lungworm Infection
Cats that have strong immune system may not show any clear symptoms of the infection. However, in weak cats the symptoms are vivid. They may include:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Anorexia
A Heavy infection in cats with weak immunity may lead to fluid retention in lungs, bacterial pneumonia or sometimes pneumothorax.
Treatment of Lungworms
A worming tablet or solution is highly effective in treating lungworms. Drugs like Paragard or Profender are some of the best de-wormers for cats that are available in the market as well as on online stores. However, before administering the dose you must consult the vet or check the pack-insert to use the product according to the directions mentioned. Else, the product may not work at all and you would be left disappointed.
Lungworms can be fatal to cats. Thus, regularly check your cat and treat her immediately if your furry feline shows any signs of lungworm infection.
