Overview
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( HCM ) is the most common mettle disease in cats , accounting for over one-half of all name type of feline heart disease .
While HCM is a usual term , it ’s also a thwarting one , because it is difficult to predict how it will affect any single quat . Some moved cats stay symptomless for their entire life , never require any kind of treatment for their HCM , while others have significant effects , include sudden expiry .
The irregular nature of HCM get it a challenge and a source of frustration for both pet owners and veterinarians .
What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common middle disease in cats , impact 10 - 15 percent of pet computed axial tomography [ 1 ] . This condition causes abnormal thickening of the muscular paries of a cat ’s heart . Once the mesomorphic walls of the heart become thickened , they interpose with the centre ’s function and keep the heart from flummox efficiently .
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy primarily affect midway - aged and older cat . Certain cat strain are more potential to develop HCM than other breed . Predisposed breed includeMaine Coons , Ragdolls , British Shorthairs , Sphynx cats , Persians , and Chartreux cats .
WhatCausesHCM in Cats?
The fact that some strain are more likely to develop HCM than others indicate that there is a genetic foundation for the condition . The specific mutation creditworthy for HCM has been identified in Maine Coons and Ragdolls , but the HCM factor in cats has not yet been name in other breeds .
Symptomsof Feline Cardiomyopathy
The clinical signal of HCM in Caterpillar can vary significantly , with some cat being completely asymptomatic and others experiencing sudden demise .
The two most common materialization of HCM arecongestive heart failureand thromboembolism ( blood coagulum ) . computed axial tomography in congestive fondness loser develop fluid buildup in or around the lungs , head to inanition and shortness of breather . They may also develop runny assemblage within the abdomen ( belly ) . Cats with a thromboembolism experience a sudden blockage of blood flow to some part of the body . In many cases , the blood menstruum to the hindlimb is interrupt , causing sudden pain sensation , failing , or palsy of the hindlimbs . This is referred to as asaddle thrombus .
potential symptom of HCM in cats include :
Stagesof HCM in Cats
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats is typically a progressive disease , although it may progress very slowly and it may go undiagnosed until the disease is severe . For other cats , progression is rapid and symptoms arise at a young historic period .
Echocardiogram ( ultrasound of the heart ) can show changes before cat become symptomatic and should be part of routine check - ups for high - risk cats . In fact , some stirred cats will not have significant progression and may stay symptomless for the remainder of their life history .
Over a period of age , cats with HCM may make grow temperate or stark disease . Cats with severe HCM are at risk of heart failure and thromboembolism .
Diagnosing HCMin Cats
If your veterinary surgeon distrust heart disease in your cat , he or she will first perform a thorough physical examination . finding that are typically associated with HCM includea heart murmur , an abnormally rapid heartbeat , and abnormal lung sounds ( which may propose congestive warmness failure ) . However , in some computerized axial tomography with meek , asymptomatic HCM , there may be no abnormalities seeming on forcible testing .
Initial screening test for feline heart disease include chest radiographs ( Adam - rays ) , electrocardiogram ( ECG ) , and a blood test call NTProBNP . An enlarged heart in cats may paint a picture the presence of HCM and ECG abnormalities may also support this finding . If screening tests suggest the mien of HCM , your veterinarian will advocate more specialized examination . Your veterinarian may also execute exam to decree outhyperthyroidismand raise blood pressure , both of which can be affiliate with the development of reversible HCM .
The most definitive HCM testing in cat is echocardiography . Echocardiography involves the consumption of an ultrasonography to find a three - dimensional horizon of the heart , allow the veterinarian to value the thickness of the essence walls and the flow of line of descent through the heart .
In Maine Coons , Ragdolls , and Sphynx cats , genetic examination can be used to identify sham cats and cats that hold the mutation responsible for HCM .
How to TreatFeline HCM
There is no therapeutic for HCM and no discussion that prevents the progression of this disease . alternatively , the goal of HCM discourse is to manage the clinical signs of heart disease and improve the cat ’s tone of life . The goals of treatment let in treating congestive heart unsuccessful person , preclude aortal thromboembolism , and foreclose arrhythmias .
Medications for HCM in Cats
There is no medicinal drug that specifically addresses HCM . Instead , medications are order based on the effects of HCM that a particular cat is experiencing or anticipate to experience . symptomless kat do not typically require treatment , until their stipulation go on to a point that they become diagnostic . Research has bear witness that medicating a non - symptomatic big cat does not retard onset of symptoms .
Cats with signs of congestive substance failure are often prescribed a diuretic , such as Lasix ( Lasix ® ) , and an ACE - inhibitor , such as enalapril . These medicinal drug are intended to dispatch excess fluid from the chest and abdomen . Pimobendan may also be prescribed to cats in congestive heart failure , to better heart office .
extra medications may be order to reduce the risk of thromboembolism ( blood clots ) . These medications may include clopidogrel ( Plavix ® ) or low molecular weightiness heparin .
genus Beta blocking agent , such as atenolol and propranolol , and Ca channel blockers , such as diltiazem , may also be prescribed in bozo with an elevated pump pace . These medications are intended to decrease the heart rate , admit the heart to fill more expeditiously and go more effectively .
General Cost to Manage This Condition
The initial diagnosing of HCM in Caterpillar is typically the most expensive part of a deary ’s management plan , give the indigence for referral to a veterinary heart specialist for an echocardiogram .
The initial workup for a cat with HCM typically costs approximately $ 1,000-$1,500 . Once these initial diagnostics have been completed , however , the on-going costs associated with monitoring and discourse are often relatively low .
If a cat ask hospitalization for an intense episode of congestive heart failure or aortic thromboembolism , however , costs may be in high spirits .
How to PreventHCM in Cats
There is no fashion to prevent the development of HCM in an individual computerized tomography . breeder , however , can wager a significant purpose in forestall HCM in predisposed breeds . In breeds for which a genetic mental test is available , such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls , hereditary testing should be perform prior to any breeding and cats who carry the gene for HCM should not be cover . If you buy a pure - bred computerized tomography , always ask your breeder for book of this of import examination .
In predisposed breeds that do not have an usable genetical mental testing , screening echocardiography should be performed routinely in multiply cats . kat with evidence of HCM should be remove from the breeding program , as should their close relatives .
