Alternatively, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, causing coughing or respiratory distress. In HCM, the walls of the ventricle become thick and stiffen, which makes it difficult for blood to fill the ventricle. Heart enlargement and subsequent congestive heart failure may follow. Cats may also develop heart disease from other disease processes in the body including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or hypertension. This permits them to look for abnormalities of the heart valves, enlargement of specific parts of the heart, or other disease-related changes in size and function.
Veterinarians also use ECGs to diagnose abnormal rhythms or electrical disturbances in the heart.
These diagnostic methods help veterinarians determine the severity of the disease, appropriate therapeutic regimen, and the prognosis for your pet. Your veterinarian may recommend a diuretic to help reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs, vasodilators to decrease blood pressure and workload on the heart, or anti-arrhythmics that help control abnormal heart rhythms and improve heart function. In some cases your pet may need heart surgery or even a pacemaker to correct heart dysfunction. Helping your pet deal with heart disease may also include a change in diet, reduction in physical activity, and minimization of stress. If you suspect your pet may have heart problems, contact your local veterinarian.