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− | === ''Dirofilaria immitis'' ===
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− | *A canine parasite - see under Dog Nematodes for life-cycle etc.
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− | *Cats are abnormal hosts, and so ''D. immitis'' is not very infective for cats.
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− | *Nevertheless, feline infection is common (up to 25%) in some heavily endemic areas.
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− | *But only small numbers of adult worms (1-3) establish.
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− | *The prepatent period is longer (approximately 8months) than in the dog.
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− | *Few, if any, microfilariae are produced (<20% of cases positive).
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− | *The life-span of the worm is shorter (2-3years).
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− | *However: one dead adult → acute pulmonary crisis (thromboembolism).
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− | === Feline Heartworm Disease ===
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− | *Lung pathology similar to dog, but little heart pathology.
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− | *Coughing starts 4-6months post-infection.
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− | *Antibody-detection ELISA used for diagnosis, but false positives occur (antigen ELISA cannot be used as antigen rarely expressed in cats).
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− | *There is no licensed adulticidal therapy, and treatment may be fatal for the cat as well as the worm.
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− | *Ivermectin or selamectin can be used for prevention.
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