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What are the signs of cardiomyopathy in cats?

What are the signs of cardiomyopathy in cats?

Clinical Signs Many cats with HCM do not appear to be ill. Others may show signs of congestive heart failure, including labored or rapid breathing, open-mouthed breathing, and lethargy. These symptoms occur when fluid accumulates in or around the lungs.

How old is a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

End-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a cat A 14-year-old Persian cat was referred for evaluation of the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after an acute episode of congestive heart failure. The diagnosis of HCM had been made almost 13 years ago.

What kind of heart disease does a Persian cat have?

A 14-year-old Persian cat was referred for evaluation of the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after an acute episode of congestive heart failure. The diagnosis of HCM had been made almost 13 years ago. Echocardiography and electrocardiography revealed end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and multifocal atrial tachycardia.

What happens to the heart in a cat with HCM?

In cats suffering from HCM, the walls of the heart become progressively thicker and thicker. The thickening of the heart mainly affects the left ventricle, the chamber that pumps blood out through the aorta to the rest of the body.

What kind of tests are done on cats with HCM?

X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) are the common diagnostic tests performed on animals with suspected heart disorders. For cats with HCM, x-rays tend to be of limited usefulness. X-rays tend to be normal in the early stages of the disease.

End-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a cat A 14-year-old Persian cat was referred for evaluation of the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after an acute episode of congestive heart failure. The diagnosis of HCM had been made almost 13 years ago.

How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( HCM ) diagnosed?

HCM is diagnosed by echocardiography, a technology that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cats with HCM, these images reveal the thickened walls and constricted volume of the left ventricle of the heart. However, similar heart thickening is also caused by other common conditions, including high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism.

What kind of heart disease does a cat have?

Hyperthyroidism in Cats Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition that causes the muscular walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s efficiency and sometimes creating symptoms in other parts of the body.

What can you do for a cat with cardiomyopathy?

These may include drugs such as: Beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol, which slow down the heart rate and reduce the oxygen demand on the heart. Diltiazem – this drug is known as a ‘calcium-channel blocker’, and reduces both heart rate and the strength of heart contractions.