First Report on Clinical Feline Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis) Infection in Romania

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Companion Animal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease (HWD), a severe condition in dogs and susceptible cats.
• Feline dirofilariosis is increasingly recognized, particularly in endemic regions, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Antemortem diagnosis in cats often requires a combination of testing methods due to their resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a clinical case of heartworm infection in a cat from Southern Romania.
• To illustrate the diagnostic features, including radiographic and echocardiographic findings.
• To emphasize the risk of feline dirofilariosis in endemic areas and the need for veterinary awareness.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation of a 12-year-old male mixed-breed cat.
• Thoracic radiography to assess pulmonary changes.
• Serological testing for D. immitis antibodies.
• Echocardiography to visualize heartworms in the pulmonary artery.

Main Results:

• The cat presented with vomiting and respiratory distress.
• Radiography revealed a bronchointerstitial pattern.
• Serology was positive for D. immitis antibodies.
• Echocardiography confirmed the presence of heartworms in the main pulmonary artery.

Conclusions:

• Cats are at risk of D. immitis infection in heartworm-endemic areas of Romania.
• This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties and clinical presentation of feline heartworm disease.
• Increased veterinary awareness and prophylactic measures are crucial for managing feline dirofilariosis.