Causes, symptoms and treatment of heart failure in cats, actions in case of an attack in a cat

Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump the amount of blood the body needs. This disease occurs as a result of past infectious diseases. Heart failure is the most common cause of sudden death in pets. It affects not only dogs, but also cats.

Types of heart failure:

Chronic heart failure. It develops slowly, sometimes imperceptibly, but at the same time, steadily.
Acute heart failure develops quite rapidly, its time varying from several minutes to several hours.

As a result of the acute form, the cat instantly develops pulmonary edema, symptoms of which may include blood discharge from the mouth and nose, as well as shortness of breath.

What it is? Hereditary and breed predisposition

In general, the course of this disease is equivalent to the same processes that occur in the case of a person.
Blood flow to the heart is greatly impaired, and the vital organ does not receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients. Entire sections of the heart muscle die, which subsequently leads to dire consequences. Roughly speaking, a sharp exacerbation of this process is an attack. What are the reasons for such a dangerous phenomenon? Some kittens are born with a congenital heart defect or have a higher risk of heart attacks. Let us warn you once again that problems with the cardiovascular system are not very common for these animals, but they still happen. Veterinarians believe that no more than 1-2% of all kittens are born with congenital heart defects.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common type of heart disease in the entire feline family. In this case, the left ventricle of the heart initially undergoes severe hypertrophy, due to which the pressure in the atria increases sharply. This leads not only to accelerated wear and tear of the entire cardiovascular system, but also to an increased risk of developing both a heart attack and pulmonary edema.

Some breeds are more susceptible to developing this disease. Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and British cats are at increased risk. It should be noted that this pathology is not inherited in all cases. In any case, it's not that important. Almost any pathology that negatively affects the condition of the heart and blood vessels can lead to a heart attack.

Roughly speaking, a sharp exacerbation of this process is an attack. What are the reasons for this dangerous phenomenon? Some kittens are born with congenital heart disease, or have a higher risk of heart attacks. Let us warn you once again that problems with the cardiovascular system are not very common for these animals, but they still happen. Veterinarians believe that no more than 1-2% of all kittens are born with congenital heart defects.

Symptoms and first signs of a heart attack in a cat

The owner should pay attention to the following symptoms and early signs of a heart attack in a cat:

From the moment of the attack, the heart works very poorly, the body does not receive the required amount of oxygen. This is why all visible mucous membranes of the cat turn blue.

You may notice shortness of breath or other respiratory rhythm disturbances. If a cat begins to get nervous and run around during an attack, then due to severe shortness of breath and hypoxia developing against this background, it may simply faint.

If the attack is severe and the heart is working very poorly, hypoxia develops so severe that the animal may show signs of confusion (inappropriate behavior). This is due to oxygen starvation of the brain.

There are strong “jumps” in body temperature. It can either suddenly rise above normal, or just as suddenly fall. Because of this, the cat sits at the very beginning of the attack, trembling violently.

The animal develops a strange “wooden” gait, or the cat begins to move in some other way.

In very rare cases, palpation of the chest at the level of the left elbow joint can reveal severe pain.

Characterized by catastrophic disturbances of the heart rhythm, causing the pulse to be severely disturbed.

It is possible to speak with confidence about the presence of any pathologies of the cardiovascular system in an animal only after an ECG has been performed.

What symptoms indicate a heart attack?

A sign of impending cardiac pathology is dilation of the pet's pupils. The symptoms of the disease are directly related to the period of occurrence of the pathology. The first signs develop in the subacute and acute stages. The following are the symptoms of a heart attack in cats:

pain syndrome in the left limb, due to which the animal begins to limp;
dyspnea;
excitability of the cat;
dilated pupils;
loss of appetite;
heart rhythm disturbances and rapid pulse;
change in the shade of the mucous membranes to blue;
lack of coordination.

A heart attack in cats usually has a sudden onset, but sometimes the owner may notice signs of pathology 2-3 days before the attack. Symptoms can be pronounced or sluggish. At the same time, it is important for the owner to pay attention to any changes in the pet’s condition and behavior. If he is initially excited and then rather weakened, this should alert the person.

What should owners do?

The fact of the matter is that it is difficult to recommend specific actions. Often “advice” appears on thematic resources, which, in particular, talks about the need to “inject NoSpa and analgin.” Don't follow them please! Firstly, your cat may not be having a heart attack, since the same signs are quite typical for some poisonings. Secondly, you cannot calculate the dosage by eye, and analgin, for example, is a rather harmful substance.

Thirdly, something similar can occur when a nerve is pinched. Weak home remedies when administered intramuscularly are unlikely to alleviate the cat’s suffering... But the animal, twitching and trying to get rid of its owner’s tenacious hands, has an increased chance of further aggravating its condition, which cannot be called brilliant anyway.

So just call your vet. If the animal’s condition has stabilized (and this often happens), then do not try to put the cat in a carrier and take it to the doctor yourself! This way you will scare a pet that has just calmed down into a stupor, which can be fatal for its heart.

Diet

Diet is one of the most important elements in the fight against kidney failure in cats.

Doctors recommend paying attention to three main points when changing your pet’s diet:

The protein content of food consumed by a sick cat should be minimal. Most of the toxic substances that accumulate in a pet’s body are elements of protein processing. This is why a low-protein diet helps reduce the level of dangerous toxins in the body and significantly improve your pet’s well-being.

Phosphates

Limiting protein foods helps the animal feel healthy, but reducing phosphate intake can significantly prolong a cat's life. This diet is also excellent at protecting cats from progressive kidney failure and tissue damage.

Medicinal food

Medicinal feeds have fairly high quality indicators. Don't be alarmed if your veterinarian suggests trying food for a cat with kidney failure. The composition of such pet food has an excellent balance of all the most essential substances and can have a positive effect on the course of the disease.

Also, if a cat flatly refuses a new diet, the veterinarian may prescribe additional medications that can improve the animal’s appetite.

First aid for a cat at home

Let’s immediately decide on one point: if the pet is already lying down with an attack, then the only effective first aid is to immediately call a veterinarian.

It is hardly possible to do anything else at home (in particular, pouring medicine into the mouth is no longer useful). Therefore, it is necessary to “catch” the first warning signs of an attack, since at this time it is still possible to at least somehow help the animal:

3 drops of cardamine. Also, some veterinarians advise giving the cat up to 11 drops of Corvalol. If everything is done on time, then the attack will almost certainly be extinguished or, at least, significantly alleviated.

The cat is shown absolute peace. If an animal feels bad, there is no need to run around it, put it in a basket and go to the clinic. This can only worsen the pet’s condition, speed up and worsen the attack of acute heart failure in the cat.

The cat must be placed in a cool, well-ventilated room. The hotter and stuffier the room, the more severe the heart attack. A fact known to many doctors. Of course, this does not mean that the cat should be thrown out onto the balcony or placed directly under the air conditioner, but it is worth opening the window slightly or turning on the fan.

Description of the disease

To put it simply, this is not one disease, but several, i.e. complex of diseases. But they all lead to disruption of its contractile function.

It follows from this that they lead to impaired blood circulation throughout the cat’s body. It is worth taking this as seriously as possible, because the animal’s body is literally balancing “on the brink.”

In critical cases (that is, this is not always the case), the “power” of the heart is only enough to supply tissues and organs with oxygen and various nutrients only in a calm state.

It's terrible, but when he comes out of this state, for example, he starts jumping and running, he shows signs of asphyxia.

It is worth noting that heart failure in cats (unlike in humans) is uncommon.

The fact that this phenomenon is rare is due to the biochemistry of cats. More precisely, their body. This was also linked to the nutritional characteristics of cats. Most often, the described disease develops in animals that are at least 6 years old.

But, unfortunately, there are exceptions. Sometimes this diagnosis is made at the age of one and a half years. This happens in cases with a congenital defect.

Symptoms

Most often, heart failure occurs without pronounced symptoms; diagnosing it at home is quite difficult, especially in kittens.

If you carefully monitor your pet, you will notice the following characteristic signs of this disease:

increased fatigue;
wheezing;
heavy breathing (indicates pulmonary edema);
partial or complete paralysis of the hind limbs;
tachycardia;
strong thirst;
rapid weight gain;
cyanosis of the gums;
refusal of food.

In older cats, the above symptoms include an unsteady gait, incessant coughing and lack of coordination. A sick pet's elbows may be placed sideways, the abdomen will increase in size, and seizures may occur, which are accompanied by loss of consciousness. As a rule, the animal quickly comes to its senses, but during an attack it experiences a severe lack of oxygen, which sometimes leads to the death of the cat.

Chronic heart failure manifests itself gradually, and the characteristic symptoms increase over time. Even attentive owners will not be able to diagnose the disease in this form, since at first the cat only slightly swells the area under the chest and limbs.

If you notice one or more symptoms characteristic of heart failure, you should urgently take your cat to see a veterinarian.

Symptoms of insufficient heart function

Heart failure in cats has a variety of symptoms. Much depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying diagnosis and the age of the animal. The severity of clinical signs depends on the nature of the course - acute or chronic. We remind you that acute manifestations of the pathology are practically never encountered in mustachioed pets. Hence the absence of specific symptoms in most cases. Most often, problems are diagnosed either accidentally during a periodic medical examination, or posthumously. Heart attacks may also occur.

In acute cases of heart failure, the following is noted:

sudden increase and increase in heart rate for no reason (in smooth-haired individuals, increased vibrations of the chest are sometimes visible);
shortness of breath, pallor or blue discoloration of visible mucous membranes due to oxygen deprivation;
thread-like (weak) pulse, which may no longer be palpable;
hoarse breathing;
ears and paws suddenly become cold;
apathy, sudden loss of strength, the cat practically does not get up;
sometimes fainting is reported.

Main signs of a heart attack:

unexpected lameness on the left pectoral leg is a very important diagnostic sign!
external fussiness of the pet, attempts to hide somewhere;
hoarse, heavy breathing;
loss of consciousness.

Chronic heart failure has the following symptoms:

constant shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), especially after active games or jumping;
heartbeat is almost always rapid (tachycardia), sometimes with a rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia);
cardiac edema (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal (ascites) and chest cavities; if a cat has one ascites, the cause is not in the heart);
coughing, especially pronounced after exercise;
very rare, but partial paralysis of the hind legs may develop.

In kittens, cardiovascular failure is expressed in:

congenital heart pathologies, including structural abnormalities;
heavy, wheezing breathing, worse after playing;
increased fatigue;
oxygen starvation and blue gums and tongue;
decreased activity and worsening general condition in the late afternoon.

Treatment regimen for a cat after a heart attack

Any treatment regimen for a cat after a heart attack involves creating the most comfortable and calm conditions for the pet. In particular, for the first two weeks from the moment of the attack, you should not play with the cat, you cannot let it go outside, you cannot move, have a party at home, or do repairs. Lack of stress is a sure guarantee of an animal’s recovery! In addition, the following conditions must be met:

The animal is given unlimited access to clean drinking water, which it must have at all times, regardless of the time of day.
It is very advisable to prepare a high-quality, balanced diet for your pet, or immediately use special veterinary holistic treatments for animals with heart pathologies.
Diuretics are prescribed to prevent edema (and in case of heart pathologies they will almost certainly occur).
ACE inhibitors are required. They normalize the condition of the vascular system.
Cardiotonics that improve heart contractility are urgently needed.

During the first three months, your pet should be taken to the veterinarian at least twice a month. The specialist needs to assess the dynamics of recovery and, if necessary, adjust the prescribed treatment. And even after this, a cat that has suffered an attack is shown to the veterinarian at least once a quarter.

Treatment for a pet who has had a heart attack

The very first thing that the owner of a cat who has suffered a heart attack must understand is that the treatment must be completely carried out by a veterinarian. It is unacceptable to try to treat an animal yourself, especially with drugs that are intended for humans. Be sure to follow the medication regimen prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage or rely on the opinions of people whose animals have experienced something similar. It is important to realize that each case is individual.

The beginning of therapy involves taking a drug such as Nitroglycerin or its closest analogues. In addition, the specialist also prescribes anticoagulants that prevent the animal from developing blood clots. The veterinarian must prescribe a diet suitable for the cat’s condition. It should consist of food that is easily digested and absorbed by the stomach. Of animal proteins, it is permissible to include only fermented milk products in the diet, but not particularly fatty ones.

A cat who has had a heart attack is given a saline drip to avoid dehydration. In conjunction with this, injectable solutions of saline and glucose are also recommended, which are administered one at a time. Of the medications in tablets, the doctor prescribes to the patient those that have a mild sedative effect and are able to support a depleted heart.

Rest is the key to a quick recovery for a mustachioed friend who has suffered a myocardial infarction. The owner must protect it from excessive loads and noise. If there are children in the family, then you need to ask them not to play with the animal for a while and not disturb it without doing anything. Failure to follow these simple recommendations can contribute to a rapid relapse of the disease. The chances of surviving a second heart attack for any individual are zero.

Due to the fact that necrosis of the myocardium has already occurred, one should not hope for an absolute recovery. A scar formed on the heart muscle will prevent its normal contraction. Remember that the health of the nervous system and the absence of shocks will help the cat live a long and fulfilling life.

Prevention measures

Experienced breeders try to observe the following preventive measures:

The animal's diet must be balanced. For old and castrated/sterilized pets, food is selected separately.
The cat must be regularly, promptly vaccinated and treated against parasites.
It is necessary to lock household chemicals, medications, and other potentially toxic compounds in places inaccessible to animals.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice strange behavior or other alarming symptoms.

Caring for a sick animal during treatment and recovery

A sick pet requires special care. The room where it is located should be quiet. Children should be asked not to make noise or cuddle the cat. It is necessary to exclude any factor that can disturb the cat's mental balance, be it a loud vacuum cleaner, quarrels in the family, or a trip in a car. Complete rest is the key to the animal’s recovery.

The pet should be provided with moderate exercise

You also need to pay special attention to the cat’s nutrition and the amount of water it consumes. A moderate amount of fluid should enter his body.

The diet of a cat diagnosed with heart failure should contain:

a minimal amount of salt, which retains water in the body, which leads to poor circulation;
lots of taurine and protein.

Why does a cat have a heart attack?

We can endlessly list the situations that lead to the development of acute heart failure, so let’s focus on the main common causes:

various heart diseases (acute and chronic, congenital and acquired, including those that we have already discussed in detail in the articles “Cardiomyopathy in cats, symptoms and treatment of the disease”, “Heart disease in cats” and “Heart failure in cats: symptoms and treatment");
serious injury;
taking strong drugs, including under anesthesia, which should be taken into account during any operations, especially if the cat previously had cardiac arrest;
ingestion of any toxin, for example, poisoning from poison or household chemicals;
diseases of the central nervous system;
systemic diseases, for example, hyperthyroidism.

At risk are old, sick cats suffering from chronic heart disease, as well as animals in a state of shock, overheating, hypothermia, or under general anesthesia.
Owners should be attentive to the health of their pets, because even with serious illnesses, they can maintain the health of the animal for a long time without creating unnecessary stress on the heart.

For example, if the owner notices that a cat is having seizures with a strong heartbeat and convulsions, then the pet should be examined by a veterinary neurologist. Sooner or later, one of these seizures will end in cardiac arrest.

Therapeutic approach to cats with systolic heart failure

Pleural effusion is more often associated with systolic dysfunction and manifests clinically with muffled heart sounds and pulmonary sounds. Thoracentesis should be performed when significant pleural effusions are present. Furosemide is the recommended initial diuretic and should be used at a dose of 1-2 mg/kg every 8-12 hours. Intravenous furosemide is recommended over oral administration due to its faster onset of action and potential venodilator properties.

Aggressive diuretic therapy can severely reduce ventricular output, resulting in azotemia, electrolyte abnormalities, decreased cardiac output and chronic renal failure and delayed elimination of certain drugs. Positive inotropes may be used in cats with myocardial failure. Digoxin can be used at a dose of ¼ tablet of 0.125 mg every other day.

Digoxin should be used cautiously in cats with chronic renal failure, decreased perfusion, or significant azotemia, as this drug can cause toxicity. Dobutamine is preferred in those cats that have cardiogenic shock

Dobutamine stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors of the myocardium

Dobutamine is preferred in those cats that are in cardiogenic shock. Dobutamine stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors of the myocardium.

The recommended starting dose is 2-5 mcg/kg/min. Seizures may be a complication of dobutamine therapy. If they occur, the drug should be temporarily stopped until the seizure subsides and the dose of the drug should be reduced by half or discontinued. Vasodilators may be useful in reducing preload and postload but should not be used in patients who are hypotensive or in cardiogenic shock. Applying 1/8 to 1/4 inch of 2% nitroglycerin ointment to the inner ear every 6 hours may help improve clinical signs of congestion.

Supplemental oxygen therapy. Hemodynamically or electrically unstable arrhythmias.

Calcium channel blockers or digoxin may be used to slow the ventricular response to atrial fibrillation. Ventricular arrhythmias can be controlled with intravenous lidocaine (1-2 mg bolus or 10-20 mcg/kg/min). Cats are very sensitive to the effects of lidocaine and therefore doses are markedly reduced compared to dogs. Oral taurine supplements should be given to those cats with a history of non-restrictive diets. To maintain hydration and reduce significant exhaustion and electrolyte imbalances, nasogastric or nasoesophageal feeding tubes may be used to provide fluids and nutrition.

Chronic therapy usually includes a combination of diuretics, ACE inhibitors and digoxin. Furosemide is reduced to the lowest effective dose to control signs of congestion (1-2 mg/kg every 12-24 hours). Recurrent episodes of congestive heart failure

may require higher doses of furosemide or the addition of additional diuretics. Spironolactone is dosed at 1-2 mg/kg in addition to furosemide, which can be dosed over 12-24 hours. ACE inhibitors reduce neuroendocrine activation.

Enalapril (0.5 mg/kg every 24 hours) is the most commonly used drug in this class. Digoxin is administered orally at a dose of ¼ tablet of 0.125 mg every 2-3 days. Digoxin toxicity is seen as anorexia, vomiting and lethargy.

A taurine-rich diet should be given. Periodic monitoring of renal values and electrolytes is recommended to help tailor the therapeutic regimen.

Unclassified cardiomyopathies in cats as a cause of heart failure

Several cases do not fit neatly into one category of morphological changes and therefore may have features in one or more groups. Despite our desires to provide a definitive diagnosis for the disease (eg, “unclassified cardiomyopathy” or “intermediate cardiomyopathy”), a morphologic and physiological description should accompany this diagnosis. The description should include statements regarding wall thickness, chamber dimensions, regional scarring, endocardial changes, and regional abnormalities.

In addition, certain statements regarding systolic and diastolic function must be fulfilled.

Diagnostics

If we talk about the symptoms and treatment of heart failure in cats, then first of all it is worth realizing that only a specialist can accurately determine this pathology. As a rule, in order to understand that animals suffer from this pathology, it is not enough to use a phonendoscope and a thermometer.

More serious research is required. Therefore, it is best to have an experienced veterinarian with extensive experience evaluate the symptoms and treatment of heart failure in cats. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities, veterinary clinics can offer pet owners a full range of services. Such institutions have all the necessary equipment.

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from this pathology, it is necessary to conduct biochemical blood tests. Based on the results of this diagnosis, it is much easier for a specialist to understand why the animal is suffering from heart failure.

There are also several other methods that can accurately identify the cause of problems. First of all, the animal owner is interviewed. He should describe the pet’s daily life in as much detail as possible and list all the changes that have happened to him recently.

The specialist must listen, palpate the cat and determine visual as well as physiological changes. Many people believe that measuring blood pressure in animals does not bring any results.

However, these indicators also help identify problems with the cardiovascular system. It is better if the clinic has ECG equipment. This diagnostic method is considered one of the most reliable in determining problems with the heart muscle.

An x-ray is also recommended. In the image, the doctor will be able to see exactly how the heart is located and clarify its size. Ultrasounds are also performed for animals. However, it must be taken into account that not every rural doctor is able to correctly read the results of this study.

A preliminary diagnosis is made based on clinical signs. The cat owner should be wary of changes in behavior. The pet avoids communication, does not play, and meows pitifully. The final diagnosis is established by a veterinary cardiologist based on the clinic, as well as the following studies:

standard urine and blood analysis;
thoracic radiograph;
Ultrasound.
ECG.

Animals with confirmed cardiac failure are excluded from breeding.

Comparison of a healthy and diseased heart It is very important to identify the disease in the initial stages of development. This can be done by an experienced doctor in a well-equipped clinic, since in this case a banal phonendoscope will not do.

It is necessary to carefully collect all the information you know - what infectious and chronic diseases your pet suffers from, how long ago the symptoms of the disease began, the presence of vaccinations and changes in the animal’s behavior.

General examination – will help with preventive examinations. It helps to identify the disease in the absence of external manifestations, based on listening to murmurs, rhythm disturbances and visualizing the cardiac impulse (a sign of myocardial hypertrophy).

It is definitely worth measuring blood pressure to rule out hypertension and identify disorders in one of the blood circulation. With reduced values, dilated heart failure can be suspected.

General blood tests and biochemistry are performed. It is also worth taking blood samples for thyroid hormones to rule out hyperthyroidism. And check for increased sugar levels.

ECG is the main way to detect abnormalities in the heart. Allows you to identify functional changes in the myocardium and the presence of arrhythmias. A more clear picture of heart failure can be seen with an ultrasound scan.

It is also necessary to take an x-ray, on which you can see the expansion of the borders of the heart, its displacement from its normal position, fluid in the heart sac and pleural cavity, as well as ascites.

Understanding Symptoms

The symptoms of heart disease have an extensive list and can be classified according to the following factors:

Duration (heart disease in cats is divided into chronic, acute, subacute).
Defects detected by imaging: if there are defects (dispositions) of important functioning structures, valve insufficiency or septa of departments have defects, we can talk about serious heart disease.
Clinical status according to which treatment is prescribed. This includes left and right ventricular failure, dysfunction of both ventricles, atrial pathologies, valve diseases, and so on.
Changes in the cat's weight, up to 500 g, both sudden weight loss and rapid weight gain.
Although nonspecific, it is a very significant sign of cardiac disease - coughing, sometimes equated to an attempt to regurgitate a foreign object. When diagnosing, a cough that is not associated with food intake, physical activity or the influence of stress factors, paroxysmal and recurring, is significant.

Irregular breathing (shortness of breath), often noted by the owner, is a symptom of an acute pathological condition. It does not develop in one month, but sometimes over years. The presence of shortness of breath indicates that the brain and other internal organs are suffering from a lack of oxygen, which has reached its peak state. Impaired breathing may also indicate that there is increased pressure in the vessels of the lungs (this also applies to a severe pathological course).
Weak or paralyzed limbs, the pelvic area is especially susceptible to this disease. This complex set of symptoms was facilitated by the formation of blood clots in the heart chambers. As a result of the release of blood clots into the bed area, the patency of the arteries, which supply different parts of the body with the necessary tissue and nutrients, is disrupted. In addition to blockage of the arteries in the pelvic area, the brain, front legs, kidneys and other parts are also affected.

Heart attack in a cat: first aid

Heart failure and cardiac arrest is one of the most dangerous conditions of the body, in which seconds count. If a cat has a heart attack, first aid includes two main actions - chest compressions and artificial respiration. Here's an algorithm on how to do it:

The cat must be laid on its side, right or left - it doesn’t matter.
One hand secures the animal behind its back.
The fingers of the second hand are located above the heart, in the region of the 4th–5th intercostal space. You can try to count this place along the ribs, or you can simply place your fingers deep under the front paw. At the same time, grasp the animal's chest so that the thumb is at the bottom and the rest at the top, or use the index, middle and ring fingers to apply pressure from above. Sometimes, in larger cats, it is possible to apply both hands (one palm on top of the other).
Next, it is necessary to perform rhythmic pressure at a speed of 100–120 times per minute, so that the chest is compressed by approximately 30% when pressed.
Apply artificial respiration every 30 compressions. To do this, you need to wrap your fingers around the animal’s muzzle and forcefully inhale air into the cat’s nose.

If the owner of a sick animal orients himself correctly and begins performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the veterinary service arrives, there is a chance to prevent the cat’s death from a heart attack. Unfortunately, resuscitation without timely medical assistance does not always lead to the desired result, but can give hope for salvation.

Of course, some diseases (terminal stage of the disease, heart rupture in a cat due to injury, etc.) will not allow the heart to beat again, therefore the possibility and feasibility of resuscitation of the animal, even in a clinic, should be discussed in advance with a veterinarian.

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Cat has a heart attack

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart disease in cats are not always visible, but she cannot complain about her health. Therefore, the health of the pet is entirely in the hands of the owner. He must monitor his pet and, upon discovering the first symptoms of the disease, should seek advice from a veterinarian.

Fatigue is difficult to notice in a cat, since it leads a generally quiet lifestyle.
Dyspnea. Breathing occurs through the abdomen, without the participation of the chest.
An attack accompanied by loss of consciousness. The cat, at this time, can be mistaken for a dead animal. Usually the attack passes quickly, but it happens that pets die, as their body experiences an acute lack of oxygen.
The animal wheezes and meows terribly.
Heavy breathing indicates pulmonary edema.
Complete or partial paralysis of the hind legs.
Cardiopalmus.
Cyanosis of the gums.
Loss of appetite.

In cats, coughing is not a cardiac symptom.

First aid for a cat who faints

The onset of an attack requires quick and correct actions by the owner, since, sometimes, it can end in death.

Lay the cat down, and it is necessary to give her a side position of her head.
Pull out your tongue.
Place a cool compress on your head.
Place cotton wool soaked in ammonia to your nose.
The paws must be fixed higher than the head, so there will be more blood flow to the head.
Call your veterinarian.

How to distinguish a healthy cat from a sick one

Since cats generally lead a calm lifestyle, they are couch potatoes, not all owners can distinguish a healthy animal from a sick one. She can report any changes in well-being by changing her behavior, that is, if the cat used to behave independently of the owner, but now does not leave him, then this indicates that something is bothering her.

Some people think that purring in cats is a sign of health. This is wrong. Purring, abruptly replaced by aggression or growling, indicates that she is in pain.

A healthy animal has:

Smooth wool.
The nose is wet and cold.
The mucous membranes of the eyes are pinkish in color.
The animal is vigorous and active.

Sick animal:

Lethargic, lies more than usual.
He tries to get away from everyone to a secluded place.
Can be very excited.
The meow is pitiful.
Movements are clumsy.
The nose is warm with cracks.

Types of Heart Diseases

Heart disease can be congenital or acquired. At the same time, they are all united by gradual progression. Heart diseases can be acute, subacute, or chronic.

Birth defects

Some heart diseases and pathologies in cats are congenital and hereditary. However, they are not common, only in 2.5-4% of kittens. The most commonly diagnosed malformations of the heart valve are septal openings.

These pathologies include:

stenosis (narrowing) of the aorta;
stenosis of the ventricular efferent valve;
defects of the interventricular and intervalvular septa;
pulmonary stenosis;
triatrial heart;
endocardial fibroelastosis.

Defects in the development of the valve apparatus are detected at the mitral valve, which is located between the left ventricle and the left atrium. If the valve does not close properly, its functioning is impaired, blood does not flow into the atrium, which will lead to malfunction of the heart and accumulation of blood between the chambers of the organ.

Symptoms of congenital heart pathologies vary depending on the specific disease. Anemia of the mucous membranes and skin, excessive thirst, irregular heart rhythm, respiratory failure, weakness, drowsiness, increased thirst, decreased activity - these are the main manifestations of congenital heart pathologies in cats.

The prognosis for congenital heart pathologies is in most cases unfavorable. Drug treatment provides improvement, but animals, if there are no contraindications, are prescribed surgery.