Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Cardiomyopathy (CM) refers to the disorder associated with the heart muscle. In this condition the heart does not function properly. The heart loses its efficiency and is unable to supply sufficient oxygenated blood to different organs of the body. Cardiomyopathy is considered to be the main cause of heart failure in cats.

Types of Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: In this condition, the cat's heart enlarges. As a result, the heart walls are thin and stretched.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: In this form of cardiomyopathy, the heart is in proper shape, but the heart walls thicken to a great extent. This decreases the heart muscle's ability to pump sufficient blood, to meet the body needs.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: In this type, the heart muscles are damaged, thus preventing normal pumping action.

Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Symptoms
In most cases, the disease strikes without any prior warning. Owners come to know about the disease only when the condition of the cat turns critical. This is because the progression of the disease is very slow, and it may take several weeks or even months to reach the advanced stage. In early stages of the disease, the cat may appear normal. This is because cats have the unique ability to hide illness. In general, cats may show the following symptoms of cardiomyopathy:

• Poor appetite (The desire for food suddenly decreases)
• Cat becomes inactive
• Labored breathing; panting (Difficulty in breathing)
• Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and lungs
• Bony over the back
• Enlarged liver

Causes
Veterinarians are still unable to identify the exact causes of feline cardiomyopathy. But there are few health problems that can lead to the development of cardiomyopathy in cats. Following are the medical conditions that can cause this disease.

Hyperthyroidism: In this condition, the thyroid gland is very active. This overactive gland produces too much of thyroid hormones, that flow in the blood and are circulated throughout the body. The work of the heart increases greatly due to overproduction of thyroid hormone. This is caused as the demand for oxygen increases. Cardiac symptoms can be easily seen in cats who have hyperthyroidism. Rapid heart rate and palpitations are common in cats with hyperthyroidism. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can also be the result of high blood pressure, due to kidney failure.

Taurine Deficiency: Dilated cardiomyopathy may occur when cats do not have enough taurine (essential amino acid) in their diet. Taurine is an important building block of protein. However, taurine deficiency is rarely detected in cats as most commercial cat foods have adequate amount of taurine supplementation. Cats will be deficient in taurine, if they are eating dog food, as amino acid is absent in them.

Treatment

Veterinarians often try to correct the cause of diseases, to successfully treat this condition. Hyperthyroid cats are given medications such as tapazole and methimazole to alleviate their thyroid condition. Other options include radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid surgery. When underlying cause cannot be diagnosed, certain medications commonly known as ACE inhibitors, are given to improve cardiac function. Beta blocking drugs such as metoprolol, propranolol and atenolol are helpful to slow down the heart rate. Diuretics are used to remove accumulated fluids. Other drugs that may be effective in the treatment of feline cardiomyopathy include vetmedin(pimobendan), benazepril (forticor) and spirolactone (aldactone). These drugs help to improve the condition of the heart. A sodium restricted (low salt) diet is often recommended for cats suffering from cardiomyopathy.

It is advisable to consult and seek advice from a veterinarian whenever the cat is seen to have the above mentioned symptoms, to maintain the cat's health. Although treatment may not cure this disease, it will allow the cat to lead a quality life for few years.