LSU Diagnostics

Gold-standard feline heartworm screening at LSU Diagnostics: aligned with American Heartworm Society Guidelines

Heartworm infection in cats is a serious condition that can sometimes be fatal, even though many cats show no obvious signs of illness or only brief symptoms. Unlike in dogs, feline heartworm disease is much harder to diagnose and can easily be missed. That’s why the American Heartworm Society (AHS) strongly recommends annual testing for all cats.

No single test can detect every case of feline heartworm. Antigen tests are highly specific for adult female worms, but they cannot identify infections caused only by male worms. To achieve the most accurate results, AHS encourages veterinarians to use a combination of tests. The preferred approach includes both a heat-treated antigen test and a feline antibody test.

At LSU Diagnostics, we offer heat-treated heartworm antigen testing in-house and provide feline heartworm antibody testing through referral to Heska, an Antech company. This combined testing strategy gives clinicians the most reliable tools for accurately identifying heartworm infection in cats.

Deadly mosquito-borne virus on the rise in Louisiana.

LSU Diagnostics has confirmed an unusual surge in cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses this year. With a mortality rate of up to 90% in horses and potential risks to humans, prevention is critical.

EEE is more lethal than West Nile virus, and there is no cure—only vaccination for horses and mosquito-bite prevention for people.

Our pathologists, virologists and researchers at LSU Diagnostics are on the front lines, diagnosing cases, advancing understanding, and protecting both animal and human health.

Horse owners: Talk to your veterinarian about EEE and West Nile vaccination.
Everyone: Protect yourself from mosquito bites this summer.

Learn more about LSU Diagnostics’ work to fight mosquito-borne diseases (link in comments).