Kitty’s Broken Heart
If your fuzzy little feline is having trouble getting up the stairs or seems down and out, something more insidious may be causing his lethargy.
Cardiomyopthay (also known as heart disease) can affect animals, like your cat. It is the most common type of feline heart disease and causes fluid to build in the lungs and leads to heart failure. The disease is more common in breeds like the Himalayan, American short hair, ragdoll, Abyssinian and Burmese; though it can be found in other and mixed breeds.
Two types of cardiomyopathy exist: the first is when the heart muscle grows weak and dilated and the second is when the heart muscle becomes thick, which constricts blood flow.
Cardiomyopathy can result from many different health issues such as hypertension, hyperthyroidism, an infection, an autoimmune problem or a taurine deficiency. It can also be inherited from the cat’s parents as a genetic disease.
Signs of Heart Disease
Signs of cardiomyopathy include weakness, panting or labored breathing, collapse, vomiting, pale mucous membranes (like the gums), and appetite loss. The cat’s belly may also bloat from fluid build up. A cough may be present. A problem related to the condition causing poor circulation can cause a clot to form, which can lead to paralysis of the back legs.
Your cat’s veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on x-rays of the heart and lungs, echograms, electrocardiograms, and blood tests.
Treatment
Treatment for cardiomyopathy includes medication prescribed by the veterinarian, diet change, and reduced stress. Reducing stress can include keeping your cat more comfortable in more moderate temperatures. Additionally, a diet change will focus on a low-salt diet (including treats that must be low salt too).
Your veterinarian may suggest prescription foods such as Hill’s Prescription Diet g/d Feline with reduced sodium and phosphorus.
Because heart disease often leads to fluid accumulation in the cat’s body, your veterinarian may also prescribe a diuretic. Some veterinarians suggest vitamins or other natural health supplements such as co-enzyme Q10 to assist with enzyme functions and vitamin E to support the heart. Before adding supplements to your cat’s diet, confer with your veterinarian to ensure that the supplement will not interact with the cat’s medication.
If your cat shows signs of heart disease, it’s important to take him to the veterinarian soon before the disease progresses. With careful care with medication and diet, you can keep your feline feeling more comfortable and energetic.