Page 12 - Stuart Exposure - January '24

Page 12, Stuart Exposure
Treasure Coast Outdoors

The reports made it sound like fresh fish for dinner was
Pompano And Spanish almost a sure thing. I guess the fish didn’t read the report
Mackerel Dominate though. We got skunked and it seemed everyone else out
that day did too.
The Fishing Action The good news is that by the time you read this, the
dolphin bite should be good.
By Jim Weix If winter winds prevent offshore fishing, pompano are
Florida fishing is pretty providing good action in the river and from the beach.
predictable, although the Sand fleas and Fish Gum are the most popular bait.
dolphin seem to be playing Last month I mentioned that it would be nice if someone
hide and seek. started a fishing club in Martin County again. I got a
Based on the latest day- pleasant “blast from the past” this week.
old fishing report, Tom Flynn It was a fundraising event announcement from the
of Palm City’s Lighthouse Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. This is an organization
Point and I headed out to that I and six other people started 40 years ago. Today it included in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s Hall of
take advantage of the good has 10,000 members and continues to restore wetlands and Fame for helping restore thousands of acres of wetlands.
catches of dolphins being do other conservation projects throughout Wisconsin. Jim is a broker associate with The Keyes Company. He
reported in the 100-foot to Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler, can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or email jimweix@
120-foot range. conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is jimweix.com.
tip Of tHe tail

Understanding Heartworm the symptoms and preventing further complications. owners can take appropriate measures to protect their

Disease In Cats Medications may be prescribed to alleviate respiratory feline companions. Regular veterinary checkups, mosquito
distress and reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways.
control measures, and adherence to proper preventive
Prevention is key when it comes to heartworm disease protocols are all vital in ensuring the well-being and
in cats. Regular use of veterinarian-prescribed heartworm longevity of our beloved cats. Remember, prevention is
preventives can effectively safeguard cats from heartworm the key to keeping heartworms at bay.
infection. It is essential to note that preventives for Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
cats differ significantly from those for dogs, as certain is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
preventives used for dogs, such as those containing the pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
drug ivermectin, can be toxic for cats. Therefore, it is physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
suitable preventive options for your feline friend. Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
Conclusion care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
Heartworm disease in cats is a serious condition For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
that requires vigilance and proactive prevention. While palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life- cats may be more resistant to heartworms than dogs, at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
threatening condition that can affect not only dogs but also the potential consequences can still be devastating. By
cats. While cats are generally considered more resistant to understanding the transmission, symptoms, diagnosis,
heartworms than dogs, the consequences of the disease can and treatment options for heartworm disease in cats, pet
be severe in felines, often leading to respiratory distress
and even sudden death. In this article, we will delve into
the key aspects of heartworm disease in cats, including
how it is transmitted, symptoms to look out for, diagnostic
methods, and prevention.
Transmission And Life Cycle
Heartworms, known as Dirofilaria immitis, are
transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When
a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites a
cat, the larvae are deposited onto the cat’s skin and then
burrow into the bite wound. Over the next few months,
the larvae mature and migrate through the cat’s tissues,
eventually ending up in the heart and lungs.
Symptomatology
Detecting heartworm disease in cats can be challenging,
as they exhibit various symptoms, many of which can
be attributed to different ailments. The most common
signs include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing,
lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and
sudden collapse. However, some cats may not exhibit any
symptoms at all, making diagnosis even more elusive.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing heartworm disease in cats is a complex
process. Blood tests are typically performed, looking for
specific antigens produced by adult female heartworms.
However, these tests are not always reliable for detecting
heartworms in cats, as they tend to have lower worm
burdens compared to dogs. Imaging techniques, such as
X-rays and ultrasounds, might be employed to assess heart
and lung abnormalities, while echocardiography can help
visualize any adult worms present.
Treatment And Prevention
Treating heartworm disease in cats is not as
straightforward as it is in dogs. No approved medications
currently exist for eliminating heartworms in infected
cats. Consequently, treatment focuses on managing

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