Guide to Preventing Parasites.pdf - Royal Canin Canada

- In cats, prophylaxis can be achieved with a macrocyclic lactone. Given the small number
of microfilariae present, there is no need to test these animals before medicating them.
Screening involves both the antigen test and the serological test.
- Prophylaxis should be initiated no later than the age of 8 weeks during an infection risk
period.
Comments: Because of the high pathogenicity of heartworms in cats, especially since they
can cause an anaphylactic-type reaction, prophylaxis in at-risk animals is quite important.
On the other hand, the prevalence in Canada is too low for this to constitute a valid
argument. The approach differs form that for dogs, mainly because screening is not as
important. Clients should be well-informed so that they can make an informed decision.
Table 28. Number of cases of feline heartworm disease reported in Canada in the
annual postal survey
Number of
cases
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
7. The case of fleas
0
76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 0 2 4
How transmission occurs. Very little transmission occurs through simple direct contact
between animals. It occurs more readily through exposure to newly emerged fleas, for
instance, when an animal is taken to a place outdoors frequented by stray dogs. Certain
wildlife could act as a reservoir, in particular, skunks, racoons and wild canines. More
than 50 animal species have been found to be naturally infested with cat fleas.
Treatment season. If an animal is found to be infested with fleas and if flea eggs have
very likely been left inside the home, it would be advisable to initiate monthly treatment
for a period of at least five months. For prophylaxis in an animal that is free of fleas but
which is at risk of becoming infested, it would be a good idea to initiate treatment early,
that is, in early June or perhaps even in early May. If ever the animal becomes infested
43
Years