A study conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas revealed the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats. The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the region to detect the presence of heartworm infection.
Using multiple analysis tools the results were alarming:
- 18 percent of the shelter cats tested positive in at least one diagnostic test
- Antibody testing identified the most cases at 15.6 percent
- Pre- and post-ICD antigen testing at 4.9 percent
- qPCR at 3.3 percent
- Two of the 122 cats tested positive on all three diagnostic tests
Source: Vet Candy, July 30, 2023. Link.
Despite its potential fatality, heartworm infections in cats often go unnoticed by both cat owners and veterinarians . . . diagnosing requires a combination of laboratorial tests and clinical examination.”
Also see: Heartworm in Cats, American Heartworm Society. Link.