HCM in cats: Causes, symptoms and treatment
HCM is the abbreviation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It is a common heart disease in cats that cat owners must take seriously.
In the following, we will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of HCM in cats.
HCM in cats: what is it?
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in cats refers to the enlargement of the left ventricular muscle of the heart. As a result, the volume of the chamber that pumps oxygenated blood through the circulatory system decreases.
This leads to a drop in blood pressure in cats with HCM. The cat's heart tries to compensate for this, but it further decreases the volume of the chamber, exacerbating the issues associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
In the progression of the disease, it can lead to the formation of pulmonary edema and the accumulation of fluid in the cat's chest cavity. Blood clots may also form in the left atrium of the heart, which can break off and block the arteries in the cat's legs.
HCM in cats: possible causes
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in cats can either be genetically inherited (primary) or occur as a result of an underlying condition (secondary).
Genetically inherited (primary) HCM is common in the following cat breeds:
Acquired (secondary) HCM can be triggered by the following feline diseases:
- Kidney insufficiency
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
HCM in cats: symptoms
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy manifests in cats through various nonspecific symptoms. The severity of these symptoms depends on the progression of the disease. Some cats may show no noticeable symptoms for a long time, which can make the timely diagnosis of HCM challenging.
Possible symptoms include decreased appetite and lethargy. Additionally, cats with HCM may experience respiratory distress, characterized by panting and open-mouth breathing. Coughing, however, is not a typical symptom of HCM in cats.
If the arteries in the legs are blocked by blood clots, it can result in paralysis. In most cases, the hind legs are affected.
HCM in cats: diagnosis by the veterinarian
If you notice symptoms that may indicate Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in your cat, it is essential to promptly visit a veterinarian.
For diagnosis, the veterinarian will likely perform an echocardiogram to visualize any cardiac abnormalities and assess the progression of the disease.
Additionally, the veterinarian may measure the cat's blood pressure and detect any existing cardiac arrhythmias through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Depending on the clinical presentation and symptoms, blood tests may be necessary to diagnose underlying conditions such as kidney insufficiency.
HCM in cats: possible treatment measures
Treatment must be tailored to each individual cat. Asymptomatic cats may not always require medication.
For cats with noticeable symptoms, treatment usually involves the use of ACE inhibitors to dilate blood vessels and diuretics to reduce fluid accumulation.
In some cases, anticoagulants may be used to prevent thrombosis, and medications to improve cardiac contractility and manage arrhythmias may also be prescribed.
HCM in cats: prognosis
The prognosis depends on the severity of HCM. Cats with moderately pronounced Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can live symptom-free for several years.
Severe HCM, with the accumulation of fluid in the lungs or chest cavity, can significantly worsen the prognosis for affected cats.
Regardless, regular cardiac examinations and diligent adherence to the veterinarian's treatment plan are crucial.
HCM in cats: prevention options
You cannot influence the genetics of your cat. However, for certain cat breeds prone to HCM, such as Maine Coons, it is possible to assess the risk through genetic testing.
When acquiring a cat, it is advisable to seek a reputable breeder who has conducted the necessary tests on the parent cats, significantly reducing the likelihood of primary HCM later on.
Regular preventive check-ups play an important role in the prevention and early diagnosis of HCM in breeds susceptible to the disease.
To prevent secondary HCM, it is important to avoid underlying conditions in your cat. For example, choosing easily digestible cat food, such as our hypoallergenic varieties with insect protein, can help prevent kidney insufficiency, which can lead to secondary HCM.
HCM in cats: key points
As you can see, the diagnosis of HCM does not necessarily mean imminent death for your cat. Nevertheless, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a serious disease that unfortunately occurs frequently in cats.
If you notice symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty breathing in your cat, we strongly recommend seeking veterinary care. Although these symptoms do not necessarily indicate heart disease like HCM, early initiation of treatment is often crucial for a positive prognosis in cases of health problems.
This applies not least to diseases such as kidney insufficiency, which can lead to secondary HCM in cats.
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