Download Heart Disease in Cats How to Have a Successful Vet Visit

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Cat Chat
Fall 2016
What’s in this issue…
Heart Disease in Cats
How to Have a Successful Vet Visit
Feline Herpes Virus: FAQ
Heart Disease in Cats
By Christine Duree, DVM
About 1/4 to 1/3 of apparently healthy
cats have a heart murmur. Of these cats,
approximately 50% have heart disease.
About 6% of cats don’t have a murmur but
have heart disease. Certain breeds such as
Bengals, Himalayans, Persians, and Maine
Coons tend to have higher rates.
How the heart functions
The heart has four chambers. The top
two chambers are called atria. The bottom
two chambers are called ventricles, and
they are the pumps of the heart. The right
atrium collects blood from the body and
passes it into the right ventricle which
pumps it to the lungs. The left atrium
collects blood from the lungs and passes
it into the left ventricle which pumps it to
the body.
How the heart malfunctions
Heart disease in cats is typically due
to cardiomyopathies, which affect the
muscles of the heart. Hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most
common form. With HCM, the walls of
the left ventricle become thickened and
are no longer able to relax and stretch
properly, preventing normal filling. Often
the heart rate will increase to compensate.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is rarely
diagnosed since taurine, an amino acid,
has been added to commercial cat foods.
DCM causes the left ventricle muscles to
weaken and thin, therefore not pumping
blood effectively to the body. Restrictive
and unclassified cardiomyopathies are rare
and less well understood. It is also rare
for valve disease to cause heart disease in
cats, though they are a common cause of
innocent murmurs.
When the left ventricle is less able to
pump the blood forward, blood can back
up into the left atrium and then into the
lungs which allows fluid to leak into the
lung tissue. When fluid starts leaking into
the lungs, heart disease has progressed
to congestive heart failure. This makes it
difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide
to be exchanged in the lungs, and the cat
often has respiratory difficulty which can
look like rapid, shallow respiration or
open-mouth breathing. Additionally, the
enlarged left atrium increases the risk of
abnormal clot formation. These clots can
travel to the any part of the body shutting
off the blood supply. This can manifest as
limb weakness or even sudden death.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
If a heart murmur is heard, the best
test to diagnose heart disease is an
echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound
of the heart. It will tell if heart disease is
present and will classify the type of heart
disease. Sometimes, it can help determine
if treatment is needed.
A blood test that measures a hormone
that is released in response to heart
muscle stretch and stress can be used
to determine if heart disease is present.
The higher the hormone, the more
severe the heart disease. This test cannot
define what type of heart disease is
present. Therefore, if it is elevated, an
echocardiogram is still needed.
Treating Heart Disease
For most cats with heart disease,
treatment is not needed initially.
Sometimes, medication to prevent clots
may be needed. Unfortunately, heart
disease frequently gets worse with time.
Once the disease progresses to congestive
heart failure, treatment includes
medication to remove fluid from the
lungs, slow the heart rate to allow better
filling of the ventricle, and relax the aorta
to allow more blood to flow to the body.
Early detection and diagnosis is key for
managing heart disease in cats, so make
sure to bring your cat in regularly to your
veterinarian.
How to Have a Successful
Vet Visit
By: Tarina L. Anthony, DVM
Veterinary visits can be stressful not only on cats but on their people
as well. There are several things one can do to make the visit go more
smoothly for everyone involved. The movement toward decreasing stress
starts at home. Make the carrier a “safe” place. Keep it out at all times and
give your cat treats and catnip inside. This helps decrease the adrenaline
rush that many cats receive by simply seeing the carrier.
Try withholding food the morning of the appointment to see if your
cat is more receptive to treats at the vet clinic. Eating treats at the clinic
can not only decrease your cat’s stress but help her associate the clinic
with something enjoyable.
Feline pheromone spray within the carrier can also help your cat calm
down during transport. Keeping the carrier covered and buckled securely
in the car helps him feel more secure. If you feel your cat needs antianxiety or anti-nausea medication prior to the visit, make sure to let the
veterinarian know. There are several very safe medications that can help
calm a nervous cat and ease an upset stomach.
When you schedule your cat’s visit, keep a few things in mind. First,
make your appointment during a time that you will not be rushed. This
allows time for the veterinarian to discuss everything, perform necessary
diagnostics and talk to you about treatment options. A bit of waiting is
inevitable at any medical office, so plan accordingly. Alert the staff to
any medical concerns or special needs your cat has. For example, it’s
important to know that a cat has arthritis or gets very scared so the staff
can be prepared and make the visit as comfortable as possible.
Before your appointment, write down any questions you have about
your cat. Take a moment and think about a typical day in your feline
friend’s life. Is there anything different? Are you concerned about her
weight? Is he hiding more and playing less? Jot these concerns down to
discuss with your veterinarian. Also take a bit of time and write down
the medications your cat is taking and the current dose you are giving,
as well as the brand and quantity of food, treats and supplements. This
will save you time when the technician is asking questions about your
cat before the doctor comes in and makes sure everyone is on the same
page. It’s easy to think that the vet should have everything in the record,
but doses are often changed, and it’s important to have the most current
information.
During the visit, the vet should explain everything that’s being done
during the physical exam and also why certain procedures are being
recommended. Make sure you understand and don’t be afraid to ask
questions.
While the vet is examining your cat, it’s important to remain calm and
speak in a quiet voice. Cats can get very upset and talking gently to them
can help settle their nerves. Allow the technician and the veterinarian
to carefully restrain your cat. If your cat gets extremely worked up or
scared at the clinic, try to keep your hands away from their face, as they
will sometimes lash out at whatever is in front of them. Remember, this
is because they are scared and is not a reflection on you and not an
indication that your cat is “bad.”
Though it’s virtually impossible to take all the stress out of the vet visit,
with these tips, you can rest assured that your cat will feel much more
comfortable, and you will too!
Feline Herpes Virus: Frequently
Asked Questions
By Danielle Furphy, DVM
What is Feline Herpes?
Feline herpes virus (FHV-1) is one of the most
common infectious diseases in cats. FHV-1 infection
presents with flu-like signs (sneezing, watery eyes, nasal
discharge) and irritation of eyes and/or nose.
How Do Cats Get Herpes?
The most common way for the herpes virus to spread
is through contact with an infected cat’s eyes, nose or
mouth. Cats can catch this virus by sharing litter boxes,
food and water dishes with an infected cat. The virus
may also be transmitted by mutual grooming and even
human hands! An infected pregnant cat might also pass
the virus on to kittens that are still in the womb.
Some cats who become infected with feline herpes
are latent carriers. Even though they will never display
symptoms, they can still pass the virus on to other cats.
Stress can cause these carriers to “shed” the virus and
exhibit mild to moderate symptoms.
Which Cats Are Prone to the Herpes Virus?
Cats of all sizes, ages and breeds are susceptible to
feline herpes. However, cats in crowded or stressful
conditions, with weak immune systems (kittens and
elderly cats included), or with concurrent illnesses often
develop more severe symptoms.
Can Human Beings or Dogs Catch Herpes
from Cats?
No. Humans and dogs are not at risk for catching
feline herpes, and cats cannot catch the strains of herpes
that humans carry. Each strain of the herpes virus is
species-specific.
How Is Feline Herpes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging, and is often based on
a combination of symptoms and health history, though
your vet may recommend x-rays and blood work to rule
out other upper respiratory conditions.
How can the virus be prevented?
The virus can live in a moist environment for up to
18 hours, but is easily killed by hand washing with antibacterial hand soap and disinfectants. Keeping your cats
up-to-date on their upper respiratory vaccines also helps
keep their immune system healthy.
How is FHV-1 treated?
There are some medications and supplements
available that can try to keep the virus controlled.
The most common supplement that is recommended
is Lysine which is an amino acid (building block of
protein). There is also famcyclovir which is an anti-viral
medication that has been used to help clear the virus itself.
The best way to prevent reactivation of the virus is to
minimize physical and mental stress for the cats. Cats
suffering from an active FHV-1 infection may be given
palatable food and some extra love and attention.
Other great options include Feliway (kitty phermone)
to calm kitty, immune boosters such as Wei Qi Booster
or Rescue Remedy Pet, or even herbal supplements.
When signs of active infection are present, it is
recommended to have the cat seen by a veterinarian.