Page 21 - The Jewish Voice - January '24

The Jewish Voice, Page 21

Lifestyles from page 20 However, these tests are not always reliable for detecting Prime Vascular Institute
heartworms in cats, as they tend to have lower worm
Tip of the Tail burdens compared to dogs. Imaging techniques, such as Vascular Surgery, Endovascular Surgery,
x-rays and ultrasounds, might be employed to assess heart
Understanding Heartworm Disease in Cats and lung abnormalities, while echocardiography can help and Limb Preservation
visualize any adult worms present. If you are suffering from
Treatment and Prevention vascular disease, there is
Treating heartworm disease in cats is not as hope.
straightforward as it is in dogs. No approved medications Prime Vascular Institute
currently exist for eliminating heartworms in infected is led by Joseph Ricotta,
cats. Consequently, treatment focuses on managing MD, MS, DFSVS, FACS,
the symptoms and preventing further complications. one of the nation’s leading
Medications may be prescribed to alleviate respiratory vascular surgeons. He is the
distress and reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways. National Medical Director
Prevention is key when it comes to heartworm disease for Vascular Surgery and
in cats. Regular use of veterinarian- prescribed heartworm Endovascular Therapy
preventives can effectively safeguard cats from heartworm for Tenet Healthcare and
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life- infection. It is essential to note that preventives for Chair of the Department of
threatening condition that can affect not only dogs but also cats differ significantly from those for dogs, as certain Vascular Surgery at Delray
cats. While cats are generally considered more resistant preventives used for dogs, such as those containing the Medical Center. He is a Joseph J. Ricotta, M.D., M.S.,
to heartworms than dogs, the consequences of the disease drug ivermectin, can be toxic for cats. Therefore, it is Professor of Surgery at the DFSVS, FACS
can be severe in felines, often leading to respiratory crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the Charles E. Schmidt College
distress and even sudden death. In this article, we will most suitable preventive options for your feline friend. of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and is the
delve into the key aspects of heartworm disease in cats, Heartworm disease in cats is a serious condition founder and program director of the FAU Vascular Surgery
including how it is transmitted, symptoms to look out for, that requires vigilance and proactive prevention. While Fellowship Program, now in its fifth year. Dr. Ricotta
diagnostic methods, and prevention. cats may be more resistant to heartworms than dogs, and team specialize in minimally invasive endovascular
Transmission and Lifecycle the potential consequences can still be devastating. By therapy, endovascular robotic surgery, aortic and peripheral
Heartworms, known as Dirofilaria immitis, are understanding the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and venous disease.
transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. and treatment options for heartworm disease in cats,
When a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae pet owners can take appropriate measures to protect
bites a cat, the larvae are deposited onto the cat’s skin their feline companions. Regular veterinary check-ups,
and then burrow into the bite wound. Over the next few mosquito control measures, and adherence to proper
months, the larvae mature and migrate through the cat’s preventive protocols are all vital in ensuring the well-
tissues, eventually ending up in the heart and lungs. being and longevity of our beloved cats. Remember,
Symptomatology prevention is the key to keeping heartworms at bay.
Detecting heartworm disease in cats can be challenging, Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
as they exhibit various symptoms, many of which can Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
be attributed to different ailments. The most common for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
signs include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
sudden collapse. However, some cats may not exhibit any Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
symptoms at all, making diagnosis even more elusive. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
Diagnosis owners. For more information, call 772-283-0920, visit
Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats is a complex www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com, or find us on Lauren Huntress, M.D., RPVI Joseph A. Savarese, M.D.
process. Blood tests are typically performed, looking for Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
specific antigens produced by adult female heartworms. Lifestyles on page 22

“Whether buying or selling a home I will treat you

like I would treat my own mother.”

Andrew Levy

Andrew Levy 3 3 3 3
561-891-9262
7100 Fairway Dr. Suite 44
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418