Disorder - Cardiomyopathy

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), unclassified cardiomyopathy

Presenting Signs

Cardiomyopathy is an abnormality of the heart muscle. There are a number of types: DCM, HCM, RCM (see above) and unclassified cardiomyopathy. The different types affect the heart muscle in different ways; however they all show similar symptoms. While the heart is still working well enough there may be no symptoms. However, half of all affected cats may show a heart murmur or abnormal heart rhythm when examined by a vet. When the heart starts to fail, secondary diseases develop, forming a syndrome known as congestive heart failure (CHF). Secondary diseases include: fluid accumulating within the lungs, enlarged liver, and fluid accumulating in the abdomen, sac around the heart, or within the chest around the lungs. Cats with CHF can show any combination of the following signs: lethargy, weight loss, inappetence, collapsing episodes, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing or sudden death. Your vet may detect weak pulses, rapid heart rate, increased lung sounds, dehydration, low blood pressure or pale gums. Often, cardiomyopathy leads to thromboembolism (clots in the blood stream block flow and cause dysfunction). Clots commonly lodge in the aorta (a large vessel) causing swelling, pain and paralysis of the hind limbs.

Cats at Risk

There are more males with HCM, and more females with DCM and RCM. Cats are generally middle aged when diagnosed.

Treatment

Medical. Medication is available to reduce the workload for the heart, help the heart pump, and help combat secondary diseases. Cats with acute CHF need to be hospitalised for intensive care.

PubMed References
Cardiomyopathy

Contributor
Kate Hudson