Heart disease in cats is very common.

Many will show no symptoms and have no abnormalities on physical exam.  They will appear absolutely normal until they suddenly develop labored breathing or become paralyzed in their rear legs or acutely die.  This all sounds very scary, and it is.  Heart disease is very quiet and very deadly.  We closely evaluate changes related to heart disease (weight loss, poor gum color, weak pulses, heart murmur, and abnormal heart rhythm) on physical exam.  We also check an EKG yearly looking for changes associated with heart disease, but even with these measures some will go undiagnosed till they are in heart failure. 

Heart disease is a genetically predisposed condition where the heart muscle progressively thickens and the chambers in the heart grow progressively smaller (holding less blood for each heart beat)  It is seen in both male and females but males tend to have problems earlier in life and it is more progressive in males.  Certain breeds have a higher incidence (Maine coons and Persians)

While there is no cure, treatment to slow the progression of disease is available and very rewarding if we find the disease early.  The earlier diagnosis is made the better the chance for long term control.

We are very excited to announce the development of a new test that can make early diagnosis much more likely.  It is called Cardiac Pro BNP.  This is a cardiac enzyme that is produced with stretch on the heart muscle (enlargement).  This is an early indicator of heart disease.  

We are now recommending this test as a yearly screening test for cardiomyopathy.  It is a simple blood test with results in 2-3 days.

I personally lost one of my own cats to heart disease and know the pain that goes with it.  My hope is that no one else has to know that pain.  Yearly screening will minimize the chances of finding out too late.

Sincerely,
The Doctors and Health Care Team at Nashville Cat Clinic                     
615-361-1844
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