Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) sounds scary right? Unfortunately, it is. DCM weakens the muscular part of the heart which then causes the heart to pump blood inefficiently. This results in a build up of blood in the heart, which in turn causes the walls of the heart to become thinner and the chambers of the heart to become bigger. The result is an enlarged heart.
Content:
- Causes and Risk Factors of Enlarged Heart in Cats
- Symptoms and Progression of Enlarged Heart in Cats
- Kittens vs Adult Cats: When Scruffing Happens
- Conclusion
Causes and Risk Factors of Enlarged Heart in Cats
The main cause of enlarged hearts in cats in the past was due to a taurine deficiency. Taurine is an amino acid vital to the normal functioning of the heart in cats. Cats fed homemade diets without the necessary amount of taurine are most at risk as most commercial pet food companies insure there is enough taurine in their cat diets.
Most cases in recent years are idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown.
“Patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction have an increased risk of dying suddenly.” Says Dr. Bänsch and colleagues in the article Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Cardiomyopathy Trial (CAT).
Older and middle-aged cats are more likely to suffer from DCM, with all breeds susceptible. The breeds that have been diagnosed with DCM most frequently however are Burmese, Siamese and Abyssinian cats. There is no documented gender predisposition for the disease.
Symptoms and Progression of Enlarged Heart in Cats
DCM is most common in the left side of the heart which causes a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Because of the build up in the lungs a cat suffering from DCM will show respiratory symptoms such as coughing, panting and an increased respiratory rate.
Less frequently DCM occurs in the right-hand side of the heart which can lead to a build up of fluid in the abdomen, known as ascites.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Increased respiratory rate
- Coughing
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Weak pulse
- Distended abdomen
- Collapse
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Decreased body temperature – cold extremities
- Sudden hind limb paralysis due to blood clots
In the book Respiratory Emergencies and Pleural Space Disease it states: "The average cat thorax will contain 200– 300ml of effusion or air before respiratory distress will develop. Complaint of potential respiratory problems warrants immediate attention and movement of the patient to the treatment area. Complete physical examination is often not possible initially in cats with severe respiratory distress. Clinical signs of respiratory distress include rapid, shallow, or noisy breathing. Open-mouth breathing is occasionally present."
The PetCube App is very handy as you can check in on your cat when you’re not home and play games with them via the camera. A cat suffering from the symptoms above will not be able to play or be as responsive as usual. Congestive heart failure often develops in cats suffering from DCM.
Treatment, Management, and Life Expectancy
If any of the above symptoms are noticed in your cat it is important to take them to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. A standard clinical exam involves your veterinarian listening to your cat’s heart and lungs; thus, any abnormal sounds will be picked up. If DCM is suspected additional tests will be performed such as chest x-rays, an echocardiogram and blood tests to determine taurine levels.
Idiopathic DCM is unfortunately not curable, and treatment only involves managing the symptoms. Cats with congestive heart failure may only live for a few weeks or months after diagnosis. Usually when cats are first diagnosed, they need to be stabilised with some of the following treatments:
- Taurine supplementation
- Diuretics
- Oxygen therapy
- Thoracentesis
- Anticoagulants
- ACE inhibitors
The average life span of cats diagnosed with non-taurine-responsive DCM live only for 11 days. Cats that suffer from DCM due to taurine deficiency have a very poor prognosis during initial treatment, but once taurine supplementation raises the concentration in the blood cats can recover with help of chronic medication.
Conclusion
Cats are known for hiding any signs of illness. It is important to take note of any changes in your cat’s health and contact your veterinarian with any concerns. If caught early dilated cardiomyopathy can be managed with proper veterinary care.
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