Symptoms and treatment of heart disease in cats

Heart disease can be a very scary silent killer for cats. Many cats are diagnosed with heart disease when it is often in its advanced stages, and some cats are not even found to have heart disease until they are close to death, which is really scary. Symptom 1: Open-mouth breathing, coughing with phlegm, shortness of breath The first symptom that usually requires the most attention is “open-mouth breathing”, that is, seeing the cat panting with its tongue out like a dog. When some people see a cat panting like this, they think it’s cute to pant like a dog, or they think it’s because it’s too hot so they’re cooling off like a dog, but a normal cat shouldn’t be panting like this even if it’s hot! This action probably means that his breathing has become so difficult that his nostrils alone are no longer enough and he needs to open his mouth to help. When heart failure causes breathing difficulties, “open mouth breathing” is often the first symptom found by the pooper scooper, especially if there is no obvious movement on the open mouth breathing, it must be brought to the doctor as soon as possible. 2, belly or chest violent heaving careful observation, you may be able to see his belly or chest forceful violent heaving, or shallow but rapid heaving. or shallow but rapid undulation. This heaving condition may be the beginning of wheezing symptoms, but still trying to hold back, and not open the mouth to breathe. 3. Sudden paralysis of the hind feet Some cats may also experience sudden paralysis of the hind feet. This is one of the most frightening complications, called “arterial thrombosis”. This is mainly because when the cat’s heart disease becomes more and more serious, the heart becomes overly enlarged and the blood flow inside the heart is not smooth, forming some abnormal blood clots. 4. Sudden fainting There are a few cats with irregular heart rhythm that may suddenly faint, which also means that he may have a serious heart disease and must be checked immediately. Treatment 1 Pharmacotherapy Cats should stay indoors. Drugs for treating cat heart disease can be divided into diuretics (to increase fluid excretion), nitroglycerin (to act directly on the heart muscles to relieve pressure on the heart and increase the strength of the heart contraction), and vasodilators (to help blood vessels flow and effectively increase blood contraction to the heart). 2. Food therapy Cats during the disease period should consume food low in salt and sodium and drinking plain water is recommended. In the case of overweight cats, low-calorie formula cat food should be consumed, as the extra weight has put an extra burden on their bodies. Diagnosis 1. The cat will make a whirring sound like there is phlegm stuck in the throat, just like pulling a bellows. 2. Cats with obese body size have a greater chance of heart disease. 3. Congenital heart disease, poor immunity, sick from time to time and not active. 4. Will from time to time show difficulty in breathing now, when pressing the hand on its chest and abdomen, it will clearly feel the heart rate arrhythmia. 5. With a normal diet, urine Decreased, and mouth, eyes purple. This condition is induced by heart disease, caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. 6. Take to the vet for an ultrasound, cats with heart disease can live well under the careful care of their owners. Prevention 1. Ensure adequate taurine intake, the most direct way is to choose cat food from regular manufacturers and big brands. 2. Control weight and avoid obesity. 3. Maintain balanced nutrition and adequate vitamin intake. 4. If cooking food for cats, please avoid salt and soda. 5. Do not give cats smoked food, shellfish, MSG containing salt and human consumption. 6. Give cats boiled tap water. 7. 7. Do not give cats protein other than cat food, as this will increase the burden on the cat’s digestion and metabolism. 8. Do not recommend using cats with a history of heart disease to breed the next generation. Note that you must take good care of your body and actively receive treatment in order to cure the disease better and make your cat healthier.