How to treat lungworms in cats?

How to treat lungworms in cats? - briefly

Lungworms in cats are typically treated with antiparasitic medication. Consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and prescription of an appropriate drug such as fenbendazole or moxidectin.

How to treat lungworms in cats? - in detail

Lungworm infection in cats, primarily caused by the parasite Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is a serious condition that can lead to severe respiratory issues if left untreated. Effective treatment involves a combination of antiparasitic medication and supportive care. Here's a detailed approach to treating lungworms in cats:

1. Diagnosis: The first step in treating lungworms is accurate diagnosis. Veterinarians typically use fecal examinations, blood tests, or radiographs to confirm the presence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Early detection significantly improves the chances of a successful treatment outcome.

2. Antiparasitic Medication: The mainstay of lungworm treatment in cats is antiparasitic medication. Commonly prescribed drugs include:

   • Fenbendazole: This broad-spectrum anthelmintic is often the first choice for treating lungworms. It is typically given orally over several days, with a common regimen being 50 mg/kg per day for 3 to 5 days.
   • Ivermectin: While not as commonly used due to potential side effects in cats, ivermectin can be effective against lungworms. It is usually administered at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeated after two weeks.
   • Selamectin: This topical treatment is sometimes used for its convenience and effectiveness against various parasites, including lungworms. The usual dosage is 6 mg/kg applied to the skin.

3. Supportive Care: In addition to antiparasitic medication, supportive care plays a crucial role in managing lungworm infection:

   • Nutritional Support: Ensuring the cat maintains a balanced diet can help strengthen its immune system and support overall health during treatment.
   • Hydration: Keeping the cat well-hydrated is essential, especially if there are signs of dehydration due to fever or respiratory distress.
   • Cough Suppressants: If coughing is severe, veterinarians may prescribe cough suppressants to provide relief and reduce irritation in the respiratory tract.
   • Bronchodilators: In some cases, bronchodilators can be used to open up the airways and facilitate easier breathing.

4. Environmental Control: Since lungworms can infect cats through ingesting infected prey or larvae from the environment, environmental control is important:

   • Prevent Ingestion of Prey: Restricting the cat's access to potential hosts like birds and rodents can help prevent reinfection.
   • Regular Fecal Exams: Regular fecal examinations for all cats in the household can help detect and treat any new infections early.

5. Follow-up Care: After the initial treatment, follow-up care is essential to ensure the infection has been eliminated:

   • Repeat Treatment: In some cases, a second course of antiparasitic medication may be necessary to completely clear the infection.
   • Monitoring: Regular monitoring through fecal examinations and blood tests can help track the cat's progress and detect any signs of reinfection or treatment failure.

Treatment for lungworm infection in cats requires a multifaceted approach that combines antiparasitic medication with supportive care and environmental management. Prompt diagnosis and adherence to the veterinarian’s prescribed treatment regimen are critical for a successful outcome.