congestive heart failure is a clinical picture that can affect the heart of our felines, preventing it from supplying the blood necessary to oxygenate their body. Any cat can develop this disorder, whether it is mixed or of a defined breed, but older cats are usually more vulnerable.
Because this condition shows general and non-specific symptoms, it is essential to be attentive to any change in the behavior or routine of our colleagues. In this new article on our site, we suggest you learn more about the possible causes, the treatment and the prevention for heart failure in cats
What is heart failure?
In medical terminology, the expression "heart failure" is used to name various disorders characterized by the weakening of cardiac structures and consequent decline in performance. All symptoms of insufficiency appear when any body organ or gland is unable to correctly or fully perform its organic functions.
When we talk about heart failure, we find the inability of the heart to pump enough blood for the proper functioning of the organism. This picture usually affects dogs, cats and humans in a very similar way.
When detecting a failure in cardiac output, the body activates a series of palliative mechanisms to ensure that oxygen reaches the body tissues. However, with the worsening of heart damage, these compensatory measures become ineffective and unsustainable. Therefore, when not treated quickly, prolonged lack of oxygenation often causes sudden death of the feline.
Structure and function of the heart in cats
The cats' heart, like ours, is divided into two sides (right and left), each counting with two chambers, one upper and one lower. The upper chambers are called " atria", while the lower chambers are called " ventricles ". Between the atria and the ventricles are the heart valves, the best known being the mitral valve. They are what control blood flow between the chambers of the heart, allowing the heart rate to remain stable.
Blood entering the heart from the body enters the right atrium and is then "pushed" into the right ventricle. This blood is then carried to the lungs, where it must release carbon dioxide absorbed from body tissues, and absorb oxygen. This oxygenated blood returns to the heart, entering the left atrium and then passing into the left ventricle. From there, it must be pumped through the aortic artery to carry oxygen and nourish all the body's tissues.
Heart failure can affect the left, right, or both sides of the heart. In addition, it can affect the mitral valve, generating the so-called mitral regurgitationThe place of origin of the heart failure will determine the evolution of the disease and will cause specific symptoms.
In more severe cases, heart failure in cats can evolve into a severe condition commonly known as " enlarged heart". This phenomenon originates when the left ventricle suffers an excessive and abnormal enlargement, becoming so fragile to the point of losing its functionality, and suddenly stop pumping blood to the body.
Possible causes of heart failure in cats
Heart problems are usually related to various possible causes In most cats, heart failure is related to a degenerative pathology called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy This disorder causes the thickening of the walls of the myocardium, preventing the correct flow of blood through the heart cavities.
Many felines also develop heart failure as a result of degenerative changes caused by chronic pathologies of the heart valves, with the mitral valve affected with higher frequency. These structural alterations cause blockages or deficiencies in the functionality of these valves, compromising cardiac performance.
In addition, we can mention some conditions such as causes associated with feline heart failure:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Arterial hypertension
- Accumulation of fluids in the pericardial sac
- Congenital deformities in the walls or valves of the heart
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
- Presence of clots in cardiac structures
- Arrhythmias and heart rhythm disturbances
- Feline heartworm disease (known as "heartworm disease")
- Cardiac neoplasms (tumors in the heart)
- Pregnancy
Symptoms of Heart Failure in Felines
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the first symptoms of heart failure in cats are homogeneous and not very specific Therefore, many Owners ignore early signs of the disorder, such as a lack of energy to play or some loss of appetite. They generally attribute this constant tiredness and weakness to the animal's natural aging process. As the cardiac performance of the feline declines, the characteristic symptoms of failure begin to appear.
Most common symptoms of heart failure in cats:
- Heart Murmurs: By losing their ability to properly pump blood, heartbeats reveal an abnormal sound, known as a "murmur". Murmurs are easily detected by medical auscultation and are usually related to mitral valve regurgitation.
- Lethargia: with the worsening of cardiac damage, the feline develops a severe intolerance to any type of physical exertion. What before could appear as a lack of interest in playing or eating, turns into a lethargic state. It is a logical consequence of the progressive lack of oxygenation in their tissues.
- Heart and Breathing Rhythm Disturbances: Cats with heart failure may have difficulty breathing or breathe too fast. They may show a fast or slower heart rate than normal. Each animal will present a specific alteration according to its state of he alth.
- Weight loss: With low cardiac output, the cat will lose its normal appetite and avoid the effort of feeding. The consequence will be rapid weight loss that, when untreated, easily leads to severe malnutrition.
- Abdominal swelling: Cats with right ventricular failure often develop a condition called "ascites", which is characterized by accumulation of liquids in the stomach and in the abdominal cavity. This abdominal swelling generates the appearance of "paunchy" in our felines.
- Pulmonary Edema: Felines with left ventricular failure often show elevated fluid accumulation in the lungs. This condition is popularly known as "water in the lungs".
- Tos: cough can appear in all cases of heart failure, revealing the alteration of the animal's respiratory rhythm. It can appear mostly at night or after physical activity. However, it is usually more intense in cases of left ventricular failure, being associated with the accumulation of fluids in the lungs. When the condition is not properly treated, the animal may start coughing up blood.
- Greyish or bluish tongue, gums and mucous membranes: a physical sign directly related to poor tissue oxygenation. We can observe the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes or sexual organs.
- Fainting: advanced heart failure often causes fainting or syncope in cats, being a serious symptom of the general weakness of your body. At this stage, the animal is very vulnerable to sudden death or generalized paralysis.
Once again, we must highlight the importance of going to the vet instead of observing any change in behavior or habits of your cat This will allow an early diagnosis and the immediate attention that heart failure requires.
Treatment of heart failure in cats
The treatment to be applied in the event of heart failure will depend directly on the cause and your state of he alth. An early diagnosis almost always leads to a better prognosis for heart disorders. That is why it is so important to consult your veterinarian immediately when you observe any symptoms in your feline.
When the condition derives from hyperthyroidism, for example, the treatment will be aimed at stabilizing the hormonal production of the thyroid gland. On the other hand, congenital insufficiencies may require surgical intervention to resume the correct blood flow in the cardiac structure.
However, we must consider that, in general, heart failure in cats does not have a definitive cure The treatment, in the The vast majority of diagnosed cases are based on stabilizing the feline's he alth condition, as well as preventing the progression of its symptoms. Your vet may prescribe certain medications to maintain stable cardiac output and prevent fluid retention. In addition, it will be essential to adopt a feed specially designed for cats with heart problems.
If the feline already has an accumulation of fluids in its lungs or in its abdominal cavity, it will also be essential to hospitalize it to carry out a drainage process and submit it to assisted respiration until it recovers its lung capacity. With proper treatment, a cat with heart failure can regain its well-being and greatly improve its life expectancy
Is it possible to prevent heart failure in cats?
Although we cannot change the genetic inheritance of our felines, we are able to offer them a he althy routine that allows them to strengthen their immune system, improve their physical resistance and avoid the complications associated with being overweight and sedentary. To begin with, we must provide our cats with a balanced diet and keep them physically and mentally stimulated throughout their lives.
Remember to make regular visits to the vet every 6 months, in addition to following the cat's vaccination schedule and regular deworming. Do not hesitate to immediately turn to a trusted professional when you identify any alteration in the appearance or behavior of your feline.
