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Parasites

  • Giardia is a microscopic, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis. It is relatively rare in healthy adult cats and more commonly seen in kittens and debilitated adult cats, often occurring in densely populated groups such as catteries or animal shelters. Infected cats may have no signs.

  • Giardia is a microscopic, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis. Giardiasis can be an important cause of diarrhea in animals, but many infected dogs never develop any signs of illness.

  • Harvest mites, also known as red bugs, trombiculid mites, scrub-itch mites, berry bugs or, in their larval stage, as chiggers, are mites commonly found in forests and grasslands. Larval stages affect warm-blooded animals and cause a very itchy skin reaction.

  • Harvest mites, also known as red bugs, trombiculid mites, scrub-itch mites, berry bugs or, in their larval stage, as chiggers, are mites commonly found in forests and grasslands. Larval stages affect warm-blooded animals and cause a very itchy skin reaction.

  • Heartworms are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Heartworm disease is much less common in cats than dogs, but more common than previously thought. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

  • Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that is much less common in cats than in dogs. However, heartworm infection in cats is difficult to diagnose, so the true rate of infection may be higher than it appears. Heartworm is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. Treatment options are limited in cats.

  • Heartworm disease is challenging to treat in cats because there is currently no approved medication that safely eliminates adult heartworms. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of sudden death while the infection resolves naturally, a process that can take several years. Prevention is the best treatment in cats.

  • Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted to dogs by mosquitos. Heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s bloodstream to the heart and adjacent blood vessels, where they mature into adult heartworms. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

  • Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, better known as heartworm. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito carrying immature heartworms. Heartworm disease often causes little or no illness in its early stages. Annual testing allows detection before serious heart or lung damage develops.

  • Treatment usually includes two types of medication: one to kill the heartworm larvae (microfilariae) and one to kill adult heartworms, along with strict exercise restriction during recovery. Many dogs will also be treated with antibiotics to combat potential infection with bacteria. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach