Feline Heart Disease Prognosis

The most common feline heart disease is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). According to Claws and Paws, it involves an enlarged heart muscle. It is a commonly inherited disease among domestic short haired cats and Maine coon cats.

  1. Symptoms

    • Common signs of HCM include breathing problems, loss of appetite, vomiting, decreased activity, paralysis of the back legs (due to clot), collapse and sudden death, according to Claws and Paws.

    Diagnosis

    • Pawprints and Purrs indicates that HCM is typically diagnosed through a chest x-ray indicating an abnormally shaped heart and fluid in or around the lungs.

    Treatment

    • Treatment involves medications to lower the cat's heart rate, decrease pulmonary swelling and relax the heart muscle, according to Claws and Paws.

    Related Conditions

    • Cardiomyopathy is often a secondary condition to other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, ingestion of heavy metals and cancer.

    Prognosis

    • The prognosis depends on the individual case. According to Claws and Paws, some cats may live for up to six years after signs are present. If a clot has occurred, the prognosis is much poorer, with an average survival of 61 days.

    Considerations

    • Claws and Paws indicates a healthy diet and reduced stress can improve the length of survival. If the disease is caused by hyperthyroidism, successful treatment of that condition can return the heart to normal.