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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Animal & Bird Medical Center of Palm Harbor
Medical Database

Cardiovascular Disorders

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle of cats. The thickening causes improper filling and impaired pumping of the heart, as well as abnormal heart rhythm. These changes result in difficult breathing and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Lack of appetite and vomiting often occur 1 to 2 days before breathing difficulties appear. In some cases, blood clots develop and may cause paralysis of one or more legs or sudden death.

The disease is most common in domestic shorthair cats, followed by domestic long hairs. Persian cats may be predisposed to the disease but Siamese, Abyssinians, and Burmese breeds are less frequently involved. Middle-aged male cats are most frequently affected.

Important Points in Treatment
1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a very serious disease. The prognosis (medical forecast) is guarded to good, depending on the response to treatment and development of abnormal heart rhythms or blood clots.
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An Important Update From Animal & Bird Medical Center On COVID-19

We are committed to offering a safe and healthy environment for our clients, pets and hospital team here at Animal and Bird Medical Center. The best way to avoid becoming ill is to avoid exposure to the virus. Taking typical preventive actions is key.

In being cautious and mindful of everyone’s safety, we are actively working to minimize your exposure to crowded exam rooms and long waits in the lobby.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made some changes to our protocols in-hospital for the time-being…

In order to limit exposure while still providing quality care for your pet, we will be implementing special protocols to keep you safe.

We will have our veterinary technicians get a history of the patient’s symptoms and owner’s concerns via phone prior to coming into the clinic.

  • Upon arrival, owners can call us from the curb in front of the clinic and we will have a technician assistant come to your car and bring your pet inside.
  • From here, your pet will be examined and the doctor will develop a treatment plan which he will then communicate via phone with the owner.
  • At the end of the visit, an invoice will be brought out to your car and payment can be taken via phone.

Our goal is for you to be able to bring your pet in for medical care but have no risk for you or our dedicated staff of transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

The Doctors and staff are dedicated to making sure your pet’s medical needs are taken care of during this national crisis.

We can still fill prescriptions for pick up, however, for those who prefer, non-narcotic and non-urgent prescriptions can be mailed to your home.

As always, careful hand-washing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.