The French heartworm is a very thin worm that lives in the small blood vessels of the lungs. It is found in slugs and their slime. A cat becomes infected by eating a slug, but infection can also occur by eating animals that consume slugs, such as rodents, birds, and frogs.
After the cat has eaten the slug or intermediate host, the worm larva migrates from the intestines into the blood vessels. From there, it travels to the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery. There, the worms lay eggs, which get trapped in the lungs and hatch into larvae. These larvae are coughed up by the cat, swallowed, and return to the intestines. The larvae are then excreted in the cat’s stool.
Symptoms often appear only months after the infection begins. An infection with French heartworm causes general symptoms such as lethargy, poor condition, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia can also be signs of a heartworm infection. In some cases, bleeding in the skin, mucous membranes, or lungs may occur, or signs of paralysis may be seen. In severe infections, the worms can block blood vessels, preventing the heart from pumping blood to the lungs. Cats can die from an infection with French heartworm.
The larvae of the French heartworm can be detected through fecal testing. The Baermann method is used to find heartworm larvae, which is different from the method used for routine fecal testing. Therefore, if an infection is suspected, a specific test for French heartworm is required. Alternatively, a lung wash (bronchoalveolar lavage) can be performed, after which the larvae can be found in the lavage fluid. It is also possible to test for French heartworm with a blood test.
For outdoor cats, it is nearly impossible to prevent them from eating slugs or intermediate hosts. That’s why it is wise to frequently test their stool for French heartworm, so an infection can be detected in time. For indoor cats, it’s important to clean the litter box regularly.
Using the Baermann technique, French heartworm can be identified in your cat’s feces. If the test shows your cat is infected with French heartworms, we will provide you with appropriate treatment advice. This ensures your cat’s health is prioritized and unnecessary deworming is avoided. Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions; we’re happy to help.
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