Caval Syndrome in Cats

Have you tested your feline for heartworm disease? Ask your vet about heartworm testing. Heartworms are long worms that invade the heart and cause damage to major organs including the hearts and lungs. It’s important to have your cat tested at least once a year and have your cat on a monthly heartworm preventative. Cats that are diagnosed with heartworm disease may already be suffering from symptoms like coughing, asthma, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some cats may also have trouble walking, fainting, seizures, and the buildup of fluid in the abdomen may also develop. In addition, the disease can sometimes cause a secondary disease called Caval Syndrome. Signs of this illness may include labored breathing, pale gums, and bloody or brown colored urine. Surgery is needed to remove the heartworm blockage causing Caval Syndrome. Talk to your vet Ellicott City, MD to learn more.