Content
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: what is it?
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: complications (thromboembolism)
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: symptoms
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: diagnosis
- Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: treatment
- Feline dilated cardiomyopathy: what is it?
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Other Advice
Cats are the perfect pets: affectionate, playful and fun. They brighten the daily life of the house and the guardians, generally, take great care of the cats. But do you know all the diseases your cat can have? In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll talk about feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a circulatory system disease that severely affects pussies.
Below, we'll explain the symptoms and treatment of this disease, so you know what to expect at your veterinarian visit or what the next step of treatment will be. Keep reading!
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: what is it?
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most frequent heart disease in cats and, it is believed to have a hereditary pattern. This disease causes a thickening of the myocardial mass in the left ventricle. As a result, the volume of the heart chamber and the volume of blood the heart pumps is reduced.
Cause deficiencies in the circulatory system, preventing it from properly pumping the heart. It can affect cats of any age, although it is more common in older cats. Persians are more likely to suffer from this disease. And according to statistics, males suffer more than females.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: complications (thromboembolism)
Thromboembolism is a frequent complication in cats with myocardial problems. It is produced by the formation of a clot that can have different effects, depending on where it is lodged. It is a consequence of poor circulation, which causes the blood to stagnate and form clots.
It is an important complication that can cause limb paralysis or flaccidity, and it is very painful for the patient. A cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may experience one or several episodes of thromboembolism during its lifetime. These episodes can cause the animal's death, since its cardiovascular system is under a lot of stress.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: symptoms
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may have different symptoms depending on the progress of the disease and health status. The symptoms that may present are the following:
- Asymptomatic;
- Apathy;
- Inactivity;
- Lack of appetite;
- Depression;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Open mouth.
When the condition complicates and thromboembolism appears, the symptoms are:
- Rigid paralysis;
- Paralysis of the cat's hind legs;
- Sudden death.
The most common picture in cats with this disease is the dyspneic breathing with vomiting. In the early stages of the disease, you will only notice the cat more listless than usual, avoiding play or moving, and having difficulty breathing normally.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: diagnosis
As we have seen, the cat can show different symptoms according to the different stages of the disease. If the disease is detected before complications develop due to thromboembolism, the prognosis is favorable.
It is very important that the disease is diagnosed before subjecting the cat to other minor surgeries, such as neutering. Ignorance about this disease can cause big problems.
A routine examination of an asymptomatic cat may not detect the disease, so it is important that you perform more thorough testing from time to time. THE echocardiography it is the only diagnostic test for this disease.An electrocardiogram does not detect this heart condition, although it can sometimes pick up disease-related arrhythmias. Chest radiographs detect only the most advanced cases.
In any case, it is the most common cardiac pathology in cats, and at any sign, your veterinarian will perform the necessary diagnostic tests.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: treatment
Treatment for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy varies according to the animal's clinical status, age, and other factors. Cardiomyopathies cannot be cured, so all we can do is help your cat to live with the disease. The veterinarian will inform you of the proper medication combination for your cat. The drugs most used in cardiomyopathies are:
- Diuretics: to reduce fluid from the lung and pleural space. In severe cases, fluid extraction is done with a catheter.
- ACEi (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): Causes vasodilation. Reduces the burden on the heart.
- beta blockers: reduce heart rate at times with a very fast pace.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: relax the heart muscle.
- Acetylsalicylic acid: given in very low, controlled doses to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.
In relation to diet, you don't over-modify it. It should be low in salt to prevent sodium retention, which can in turn cause fluid retention.
Feline dilated cardiomyopathy: what is it?
It is the second most common cardiomyopathy in cats. It is caused by dilation of the left ventricle or both ventricles, and lack of force in contraction. In other words, the heart cannot expand normally. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be caused by a deficiency of taurine in the diet or for other reasons not yet specified.
The symptoms are similar to those described above, such as:
- Anorexia;
- Weakness;
- Breathing problems.
The prognosis of the disease is serious. If it is caused by taurine insufficiency, the cat may recover after proper treatment. But if the illness is caused by other factors, your cat's life expectancy will be approximately 15 days.
For this reason, it is very important that you take care of your pussy's diet. Commercial pet foods usually contain the necessary amount of taurine for your cat. You should never give him dog food because it does not contain taurine and can lead to this disease.
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Other Advice
If your cat has been diagnosed with feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy, It is very important that you collaborate as much as possible with the veterinarian. He or she will advise you on the most appropriate treatment for each case and the care you should seek. You must provide a environment without stress or scares, take care of the cat's diet and be aware of possible episodes of thromboembolism. Even if prevention of these episodes is continued, there is always a risk that they will occur.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.