Cats are the perfect companion animals: affectionate, playful and fun. They brighten the day to day of a house and we take care of them with all our love.
But do you know all the diseases that your cat can suffer from? In this article on our site we will talk about feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease of the circulatory system that seriously affects our friends.
Next we will explain the symptoms and treatment of this disease, so you know what to expect at your veterinary visit or what the next step in treatment will be. Keep reading!
What is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
It is the most common heart disease in cats and is believed to have a hereditary component. It causes a thickening of the myocardial mass of the left ventricle. As a consequence, the volume of the cardiac chamber and the volume of blood that the heart pumps are reduced.
Causes deficiencies in the circulatory system, preventing the heart from pumping properly. It can affect cats of any age, although it is more common in older cats. Persians are more prone to this disease. And in statistics, males suffer more than females.
Thromboembolism
Thromboembolism is a frequent complication in cats with myocardial problems. It is produced by the formation of a clot that can cause different effects depending on where it lodges. It is a consequence of poor circulation; which causes blood to pool and form clots.
This is a major complication that can cause paralysis or flaccidity of limbs and is very painful for the patient.
A cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may suffer one or more episodes of thromboembolism throughout its life. They can even cause the death of the animal since its cardiovascular system suffers a lot of stress.
Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
The cat may show different symptoms depending on the progress of the diseaseand its state of he alth. The symptoms that he may present are the following:
- Asymptomatic
- Apathetic
- Inactivity
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Open mouth
In thromboembolism:
- Rigid paralysis
- Flaccidity of hind limbs
- Sudden death
Diagnosis
As we have seen, our cat can present different symptoms, a reflection of different states of the disease. If the disease is detected before complications of thromboembolism develop, the prognosis is favorable.
It is very important that the disease is diagnosed before submitting the cat to other minor surgeries such as castration. Ignorance of the disease can cause major problems.
A routine examination of an asymptomatic cat may not detect the disease, so it is important that you carry out more complete tests from time to time.
The echocardiography is the only diagnostic test for this pathology. The electrocardiogram does not detect this heart problem, although it can sometimes reflect arrhythmias related to the disease. Chest radiographs detect only advanced cases.
In any case, it is the most frequent cardiac pathology in cats. If there is any indication, your veterinarian will carry out the necessary diagnostic tests.
Treatment
Treatment varies according to the animal's clinical status, age, and other factors. Cardiomyopathies have no cure, we can only help our cat to live with the disease.
Your veterinarian will inform you of the appropriate combination of medications for your cat. The most frequent medications used in cardiomyopathies are:
- Diuretics: To reduce fluids in the lung and pleural space. In severe cases, fluid extraction is done with a catheter.
- ACEI (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors): Causes vasodilation. Reduces the load on the heart.
- Beta blockers: reduce the heart rate at times when the rhythm is too fast.
- Calcium channel blockers: they relax the heart muscle.
- Acetylsalicylic acid: very low and controlled doses are given to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.
As for the diet, we should not modify it excessively. It should only be low in s alt, to avoid sodium retention, which would cause fluid retention.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
It is the second most common cardiomyopathy in cats. It is produced by dilation of the left ventricle or both and lack of force in contraction. The heart cannot expand normally. Dilated cardiomyopathy may be caused by a deficiency of taurine in the diet or by other causes not yet specified.
The symptoms are similar to those described above: anorexia, weakness, respiratory problems…
The prognosis of the disease is serious. If the disease is caused by taurine deficiency, the cat can recover after proper treatment. But if the disease is caused by other factors, our cat's life expectancy is approximately 15 days.
For this reason it is very important that you take care of your diet. Commercial feed usually contains the necessary taurine content for your cat. You should never give dog food because it does not contain taurine and you could cause this disease.
What else can I do?
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 your veterinarian.
He or she will advise you on the most appropriate treatment for each case and the care you should provide. You must provide her with a environment without stress or frights, take care of her diet and be aware of possible episodes of thromboembolism
Although prevention against these episodes is continued, there is always a risk that they will occur.
