Heart disease is a relatively common problem in felines. It can be very difficult to detect in early stages since most common exhibit no symptoms. This condition can affect cats of any breed or age. This article will discuss cat heart disease.

Types

Heart disease can occur in three forms. Your pet may develop dilative, restrictive, or cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The dilative form is characterized by thinning and weakening of the muscular walls of the heart. The hypertrophic variety is characterized by the walls become more rigid and thicker. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by the walls being replaced by scar tissue.

Signs

Since cats usually experience no symptoms early on, this condition can suddenly be fatal. When signs do appear, they may be very subtle and hard to notice if you’re not paying close attention. Open-mouthed breathing, loss of appetite, and breathing difficult are all common signs. Signs of an advanced condition include fainting and paralysis.

Diagnosis

Vets usually find problems with the heart during a routine exam. This is often detected via a heart murmur. Some of the tests your cat may have to endure include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and chest x-ray. An echocardiogram is usually the best way to detect a problem.

Treatment

As long as the heart hasn’t started to fail, this condition can usually be controlled. So that the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, diuretics may be given to remove excess fluid. If the muscular walls are too firm, calcium channel blockers may be necessary.

Vasodilators are medications that lower blood pressure. The heart’s workload will also be eased by this type of medication. Aspirin and betablockers may also be used to treat this condition.

There are many diseases that can possibly affect your pet like pancreatitis in cats. Luckily for you, www.cat-illnesses.com provides all the information you need. So, come by today to start reading about various diseases that can affect your cat.

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