Heart Ailments In Cats

There are many heart ailments that a cat can suffer from. The most common of these is the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM. This disease is characterized by inefficient pumping of blood to the heart which leads to poor functioning of the heart muscle. HCM deprives the body of oxygen and other nutrients because blood does not get circulated properly within the body. American Short Hair and Maine Coon breeds of cats are usually susceptible to this disease. In some breeds of cats Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is also hereditary.

Causes Of HCM

HCM normally affects the cats between the ages 2 and 5 years. Its main cause is genetic mutation in the cell of the heart muscle. The mutation makes it impossible for the heart muscle to contract and pump blood properly. However, disease like Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism including Chronic Kidney Ailments can also lead to HCM. If HCM is due to secondary diseases then treating the cat for these will cure HCM as well.

The other heart problems that are likely to affect the cats are:

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This occurs if the cat is fed on dog food. It causes diet deficiency making the cat ill. This disease is not common nowadays.
2. Heartworm disease: The disease leads to heart failure causing sudden death in cats.

How To Recognize Heart Disease In Your Cat

• Cats start shying away and generally go into hiding.
• Breathing becomes forceful and struggled.
• The cat tends to lose interest in eating, becomes lethargic and may also faint.
• Clotting occurs in hind legs that causes paralysis.

Some cats do not show any sign of heart disease. Hence it is important that regular examinations be conducted to check the cat for any heart ailments. These examinations include

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The vet will perform a physical examination on the cat checking for heart rate. It will also include blood test and X-ray.
• Echocardiogram: This will involve ultrasound of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EGG): ECG will check the electrical conduction of the heart.

Treatment Of Heart Diseases

Treatment usually involves checkups along with medications.

• Diet plays an important role. For heart disease, a low sodium diet is advised for the cats.
• Diuretics are also prescribed that help lower the quantity of fluid in the lungs.
• Dilators are used that keep the blood vessels dilated and thus help the heart pump blood efficiently.
• Digitalis is used to bring down the heart rate. This is turn causes the heart to pump more blood easily.
• Omega-3 fatty Acids help in the cure and are to be taken as 1/8 tsp [quantity] with meals.
• Vitamins A, C and E are given.
• Coenzyme Q10 is to be given in 10 milligrams [quantity] to the cats during meals. This helps in efficient functioning of the heart muscle.
• Herbal Therapy is also sometimes included in treating heart disease in cats. The herbs that are mainly given are Parsley and Dill Seed in tea form.