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Surgical removal of heartworms from a cat with caval syndrome
T M Glaus1, G J Jacobs, C A Rawlings
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
Insights
Surgical removal of heartworms resolved severe respiratory distress in a cat with caval syndrome. This surgical approach may be preferred for cats experiencing critical signs from significant heartworm burdens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Caval syndrome in cats, characterized by dyspnea due to chylothorax, can be caused by heartworm infection.
- Diagnosis relies on imaging (ultrasonography) and serological tests (modified Knott's, antigen tests).
Observation:
- A 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with severe dyspnea and chylothorax, diagnosed as caval syndrome.
- Ultrasonography revealed numerous adult heartworms in the right heart, confirmed by positive diagnostic tests.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of adult heartworms via jugular venotomy was performed using specialized instruments.
- The cat experienced complete resolution of clinical signs, including dyspnea and chylothorax, post-surgery.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention offers a viable, potentially life-saving treatment for feline heartworm disease, especially in severe or persistent cases.
- This case highlights the importance of considering heartworm infection in cats presenting with cardiopulmonary distress and caval syndrome.
Abstract:
Caval syndrome was diagnosed in a 4-year-old male domestic shorthair cat with severe dyspnea attributable to chylothorax. The diagnosis of heartworm infection was made on the basis of the ultrasonographic detection of a large number of adult heartworms in the right side of the heart and positive results for modified Knott's and heartworm antigen tests. Heartworms were surgically removed through an incision in the jugular vein, using a string-type horsehair brush and an alligator forceps. All clinical signs resolved after the surgery. Although treatment with agents that would kill the adult heartworms was considered, surgical treatment was used on the cat reported here. Surgical treatment may be the method of choice for use in cats with severe or persistent clinical signs attributable to infections with large numbers of heartworms.