What causes dilated cardiomyopathy in cats?
DCM is an acquired type of heart disease and typically begins well into adulthood, as opposed to congenital heart disease which is present at birth. In a small percentage of cats, it is caused by a dietary deficiency in an amino acid called taurine.
What type of doctor treats dilated cardiomyopathy?
If you think you may have dilated cardiomyopathy or are worried about your risk because of a family history, make an appointment with your family doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist, if necessary.
What 2 things must be present to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy?
DCM is diagnosed based on your medical history, physical exam, and other tests. Specific tests may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, echocardiogram, exercise stress test, cardiac catheterization, CT scan, MRI scan, and radionuclide studies.
What are the 3 main causes of dilated cardiomyopathy?
What Causes Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, viral hepatitis and HIV.
- Infections, especially viral infections that inflame the heart muscle.
- Alcohol, especially if you also have a poor diet.
How long can a cat live with dilated cardiomyopathy?
Once in congestive heart failure, most cats with HCM have a life expectancy of 6 and 18 months.
What is the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy?
The most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy are: Heart disease caused by a narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries. Poorly controlled high blood pressure.
What happens to a cat with dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is rarely seen in cats today. Historically, it was linked to a dietary deficiency in taurine, which has been corrected by most cat food manufacturers. DCM is characterized by a poorly contracting dilated left ventricle and oftentimes enlarged atria. Cats with DCM usually progress to congestive heart failure.
What happens to the heart of a cat with DCM?
It is characterized by dilated, or enlarged heart chambers, and reduced contraction ability. That is, a reduced ability to push blood out of the respective ventricle. DCM causes the heart to become overloaded, and will often lead to congestive heart failure. Before 1987, DCM was one of the most common heart diseases in cats.
How is pimobendan used in cats with heart failure?
Pimobendan – is an example of a calcium channel sensitiser. It increases the strength of the contraction of the heart and also acts to dilate blood vessels which may help the flow of blood. It has been used in some cats with congestive heart failure.
What kind of heart disease is dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease that affects the ventricular muscle. It is characterized by dilated, or enlarged heart chambers, and reduced contraction ability. That is, a reduced ability to push blood out of the respective ventricle.