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also see Feline Cardiomyopathy
also see Feline Cardiomyopathy
Feline cardiomyopathy is a cat heart disease, often fatal, in which the heart walls change shape by stretching or thickening, making it difficult for the heart to work properly. In the past one of the more common versions was dilated cardiomyopathy in cat populations resulting from a taurine deficiency; however, with almost all major brands of cat food including taurine as one of its ingredients, it is rarely seen today. The heart muscle stretches and weakens with this version of the disease.Feline heart disease has a number of causes. Often it is genetic, although possessing the gene that causes cardiomyopathy does not necessarily guarantee developing the disease. It can skip generations. Chemicals, poisons, infections and hyperthyroidism can also cause cardiomyopathy. The most common form, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves the thickening of the cat heart muscles resulting in a decrease in volume of blood being pumped through the heart.
Symptoms for cardiomyopathy are rapid or trouble breathing, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, fatigue, fainting spells and paralyzed or weak legs resulting from formations of blood clots in the arteries to the legs. Some of these symptoms develop gradually and some develop rapidly and can lead to death if not treated quickly. X-rays, EKG and ultrasound of the heart will confirm the disease.
Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy and the severity, different medications can improve heart function but not cure the disease especially if it develops into heart failure. The average life span is about 6 months, although some cats have lived to 3 to 4 years.
Treatment includes:Cardiomyopathy cannot be cured, except when hyperthyroid or taurine deficiency is involved.
also see An Overview of Common Cat Heart Diseases
also see Heart - Cardiomyopathy
also see Heart Murmur in Cats
also see Cardiovascular Disorders of Cats
also see Heartworm Disease in Cats