07 July 2008

How to Treat a Cat That has Heart Muscle Disease

Few diseases can cause a seemingly healthy cat to suddenly be on death's doorstep. Cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease is one of them.

Cats that have certain forms of cardiomyopathy may simply not act "right" and a veterinarian will be able to discover the problem by electrocardiograms, radiographs, and listening to the cat's heart. Another form of heart muscle disease may go unnoticed until suddenly the cat loses function of the back legs.

Some of the signs to look out for include difficulty breathing, lack of coordination or paralysis of rear limbs, and excessive crying with these other signs.

Carefully wrap the cat in a blanket or towel.
©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
Step 1

Veterinarians have no answers as to why cardiomyopathies occur, but research is continuing on this perplexing problem. If your cat is experiencing symptoms of cardiomyopathy or heart muscle disease, use the following cat care tips:

Step 1: Carefully wrap the cat in a blanket or towel so it feels secure.

Step 2: There is no effective home treatment. The situation is life-threatening, and the cat should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

©Publications International, Ltd.