Library
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This handout outlines common internal parasites in cats and what you can do to prevent or treat infection. Included are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms), as well as parasites of the circulatory system (heartworms).
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Platynosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic worm called a liver fluke. It affects cats in tropical and subtropical regions. The lifecycle is complex and involves several hosts. Cats can become infected by ingesting lizards or amphibians that have the larval stages of the fluke. The flukes live in the bile ducts and gall bladder of affected cats, causing symptoms of liver disease.
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Lung flukes are parasitic worms (trematodes) that infect cats’ lungs after they have eaten an infected crayfish or rodents that have eaten infected crayfish. Infected cats can be symptom-free or may develop cough with sometimes bloody mucus, pneumonia, pneumothorax, lethargy and weakness.
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Lungworm infection is caused by one of several parasitic roundworms. Cats can get a lungworm infection by swallowing infective stages of parasitic lungworm. The exact way that a cat is infected varies according to the life cycle of the parasite. This handout outlines the signs, diagnosis, and treatment for lungworm in cats.
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Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) is used off label in the treatment of certain infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Trichomonas, in dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
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Feline miliary dermatitis is a skin condition that typically results from an underlying allergic reaction, most commonly to fleabites. An affected cat will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin, quickly progressing to small lesions with scabs on them. The offending allergen must be removed for long-term resolution.
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Moxidectin and fluralaner are combined in one topical treatment for use in cats. Moxidectin topical is an avermectin antiparasitic that is used to prevent heartworms and treat intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms). Fluralaner is used to treat and prevent fleas and also kills black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include hair loss at the application site, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive drooling, and dry skin. Moxidectin + fluralaner should not be used in pets that are hypersensitive or allergic to it. Do not use this medication in sick, debilitated, or underweight cats. Use caution in cats with known neurologic disorders. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
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Moxidectin is an avermectin antiparasitic that is used to prevent heartworms and treat intestinal parasites. Imidacloprid treats and prevents fleas. These two drugs are combined in one topical product for use in cats, dogs, and ferrets. Use as directed. Side effects are uncommon and usually short-lived, however, if you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Miasis is a maggot infestation caused by certain species of flies depositing their eggs, often in diseased or damaged tissue. It can cause discomfort, secondary infection, tissue damage, and depression.
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Primaquine is a drug used to treat babesiosis in cats, a condition caused by a blood parasite (Babesia felis). Primaquine has also been used to treat blood parasites in owls and raptor birds. Primaquine is not recommended for use in dogs as they are highly susceptible to its side effects.