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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease of the cat. It is known to occur secondary to hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure and some heart abnormalities. The left hand side of the heart enlarges and the heart becomes stiff and fails to fill with blood in between contractions. The average age of affected cats is 6 years. These cats are most often examined because a murmur, or other heart abnormality, is detected during routine examination. Although some cases may be first diagnosed only after severe clinical signs become apparent Many cats present with breathing difficulties. Some develop a paralysis of the hind limbs due to a blood clot (thromboembolism) traveling from the heart to the iliac arteries and cutting off blood supply to the hind limbs. The precise abnormalities found are dependent upon the stage of disease. In order to assess these animals properly ECGs, ultrasound and X-rays may all be required. Blood pressure monitoring is important. A variety of drugs can be used to treat heart failure and major therapeutic advances have been achieved over the last few years. The disease process is however irreversible. Animals in heart failure should not be stressed or excited if possible. Any fluid build up within the lungs can be reduced with diuretics and fluid around the lungs may need to be drained off to ease breathing. The prognosis of affected cats is dependent upon the severity of disease. Those with no clinical signs have an average survival of nearly 5 years. Cats presented with evidence of heart failure have an average survival of 4-5 months. Systemic thromboembolism is a concern and often results in exacerbation of the heart failure. Recurrence is also likely. |
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