- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Signs of Heart Disease Kin Cats
The American Veterinary Medical Association says that 1 out of 10 cats worldwide will be affected by heart disease . Many types of feline heart conditions can only be managed and treated rather than cured ; still , early detection is key , as your veterinarian can prescribe medication to keep your cat ' s condition from worsening for as long as possible . In some cases , heart disease is secondary to a treatable condition , such as hyperthyroidism . The symptoms may then be alleviated when the underlying condition is corrected . Determining whether your cat is having issues can be tricky , though , since they tend to mask signs better than dogs . Here are important symptoms to be watchful for :
1 ) Vomiting : Vomiting can be a result of heart disease in cats , while that ' s not usually the case with dogs . Conversely , coughing is a major symptom of heart disease in dogs , but not as much in cats .
2 ) Difficulty Breathing : Shortness of breath , labored breathing , or breathing more rapidly could be a sign of heart disease in your cat .
3 ) Appetite Loss : Most cats love to eat , and will not lose their appetite for no good reason . If yours has a poor appetite , there will almost always be a reason , most often medical . Call your vet for a check up !
4 ) Weakness : Everyone knows that cats love to nap quite often , no matter the circumstance . However , if your cat appears less playful , lethargic , or tires more easily due to weakness rather than laziness , your pet may have a problem .
5 ) Swollen Abdomen : A bloated or distended abdomen could indicate heart disease , not just ordinary weight gain .
6 ) Weight Loss / Gain : Weight loss can definitely be a symptom of heart disease . It ' s less likely , but weight gain can also be a sign of heart issues in your feline .
7 ) Depression / Withdrawing : Changes in your cat ' s behavior , such as depression , withdrawing , reluctance to accept affection , or isolating itself , could indicate heart disease .
8 ) Fainting / Collapsing : If your cat faints or collapses , seek veterinary care immediately ! It is likely there are serious medical issues , including heart disease .
9 ) Restlessness : While many healthy cats are restless , especially at night , watch for signs such as him / her becoming so at night when it wasn ’ t before . That could indicate health issues .
10 ) Thromboembolisms : That ' s a big medical term that simply means blood clots , which are often a result of heart disease in cats , and are usually the first notable sign of heart issues . " Saddle thrombus " is the most common condition , in which a blood clot lodges at the end of the aorta , cutting off proper blood supply to the hind legs . Symptoms include pain , an inability to walk normally on the hind legs , and a weak or absent femoral pulse in one or both hind legs .
Annual visits to the veterinarian are important , even if vaccines are not due . Your cat certainly won ' t be thrilled , but your vet may pick up on symptoms or changes you 6 didn ' t notice and be sure to start proper treatment .
Pawsitively Pets -- November
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