In animal rescue, we think we’ve seen it all—until a case like Dragon’s comes along and reminds us that there’s always more to learn. Sometimes, what we find is as bizarre as it is unsettling.
Dragon, a domestic shorthair barely over a year old, came into our care after being surrendered from a private home. He likely spent much of his life outdoors, with little human interaction. As he settled into foster care, he slowly started to trust his caregiver and enjoy the comforts of a safe home. But his journey took an unexpected turn when his foster noticed something unusual: hard lumps under his skin.
A Shocking Discovery
At first, the lumps didn’t seem painful. One was located on the end of his tail, another on his chest. Concerned but unsure what they could be, his foster took him to the vet for an examination. What happened next left us stunned.
When the vet aspirated the lumps, they found something we never expected—worms.
Dragon had heartworm. But not in his heart.
Heartworm is typically associated with dogs, and while cats can be infected, they are considered "imperfect hosts." This means the worms rarely mature fully in their bodies. Instead, the larvae sometimes migrate to unusual locations, forming masses under the skin—just like the ones found in Dragon.
Hong Kong’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, the primary carriers of heartworm. Even though feline heartworm cases are rare, they are entirely possible. Dragon’s case was an unsettling reminder that this parasite doesn’t always behave the way we expect.
“I Never Expected This”
“I never imagined I’d find something like this in a cat,” says Carina Milligan, Managing Director of TAILS Lantau. “Interestingly, we recently had a male dog desexed at SPCA, and during the procedure, worms were discovered around his testicles—despite him testing negative for heartworm. The vets were puzzled, and we were too. These cases may not be connected, but it’s rare to come across two such anomalies in such a short span of time.”
Just when we think we’ve seen it all, rescue work throws something new at us.
The Unexpected Outcome
Initially, we prepared for Dragon to undergo surgery to remove the lumps and prevent further complications. But weeks later, when he went in for a follow-up appointment, we were in for yet another surprise—the lumps had disappeared.
The issue had resolved itself. No surgery needed, no lingering effects—just one of those rare medical anomalies that remind us how unpredictable animal care can be.
What This Means for Cat Owners
Dragon’s case highlights the importance of preventive care, even for conditions we don’t often think about in cats. Here’s how you can protect your feline friends:
Control Mosquito Exposure – Keeping cats indoors as much as possible and using window screens can reduce the risk.
Schedule Regular Vet Visits – Early detection is key. Be alert to signs like coughing, vomiting, lethargy, or unexplained lumps.
Stay Informed – Heartworm doesn’t always behave as expected, and cases like Dragon’s prove there’s still so much to learn.
The Reality of Rescue
Rescue work isn’t just about the cute adoption stories—it’s about the strange, the gross, and the unexpected. Dragon’s case kept us on our toes, but it also reinforced why we do what we do: because every animal deserves a chance, even when their medical mysteries leave us scratching our heads.
If you’d like to support our work and help us continue providing care to animals like Dragon, please consider donating. Every contribution makes a difference.
💙 Donate to TAILS Lantau: https://www.tailslantau.org/donate-partnership
Thank you for being part of our rescue community and helping us keep tails wagging—and cats like Dragon purring.
Charity License: 91/16904
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