Lungworms in Cats

Optimal treatment for the cat with lungworms requires a combination of home care and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical. Administer all veterinary prescribed medication and be certain to alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your cat.

Minimize chance of reoccurrence by eliminating exposure to host. Prevent your cat from predatory (hunting) or scavenging infected crayfish or snails.

Repeat Chest X-rays are suggested in about two and 4 weeks to assess improvement. Recheck a fecal sample to monitor for further development of larvae or ova in 2 to 4 weeks.

The prognosis is good for full recovery, unless the problem has been ignored or untreated for many months (or years) in which case permanent lung scar tissue may form. If severe changes have occurred to the lungs, a residual cough may be present.