Feline heart disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels of cats. It can manifest in various forms, including cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs, and congestive heart failure (CHF). The Cat Clinic and Hospital is equipped with a CardioPet diagnostic ECG, or electrocardiography, which records electrical activity of your cat’s heart.
The IDEXX CardioPet ECG not only allows our veterinarians to view and record the ECG, but it is transmitted to VetMedStat® cardiologists for consultation. The VetMedState ® board-certified specialists are able to work collaboratively with Dr. Robert Bebko and offer swift, precise clinical action to improve patient outcomes with complex and routine cases.
Heart disease is often a “silent” disease in cats and, therefore, may go undiagnosed until it’s too late. Because it often goes undiagnosed, the rate of heart disease in cats is unknown. However, heart disease may be present in up to 15% of cats. Adding greater urgency to the statistics is that, until recently, heart disease has been very difficult to diagnose for dogs and cats.
Cardiopet ECG is another essential tool in diagnostics. By recording the electrical activity of the heart, ECG can detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and abnormalities in cardiac conduction. This information is crucial for diagnosing conditions like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and heart block.
Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease in cats is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Some common signs to watch out for include:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Coughing, especially at night
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Weakness or lethargy
- Fainting or collapsing episodes
- Blue-tinged gums (indicating poor oxygenation)
If there is any question regarding your cat’s cardiovascular health, rest assured the Cat Clinic and Hospital, is equipped with the latest technology.
