Cats are lovely animals and keeping their health in check is a must for a cat owner. One such health condition is heart murmur. It is an abnormal sound heard during a veterinary examination, which is a result of signaling potential issues with the heart’s function.
It is found that all the heart murmurs are not serious issues but its better to not ignore. In this article you will get all the information related to the diseases. If you observe any of the listed symptoms please consult our veterinary specialist.
What is a heart Murmur?
When the blood through the heart chambers, heart valves or blood vessels flow abnormally, an unusual sound is produced. It is a swishing or a whooshing sound produced by the cat which is easily detected by a stethoscope by a veterinarian. Its an extra sound produced during the cat’s heartbeat cycle.
Symptoms of Heart Murmur in Cats:
There are lot of reported cases in which their is no symptom during the early stage of the disease. However, as the condition progresses or if the heart murmur is caused by an underlying heart condition, certain symptoms may become evident. Some common signs of a heart murmur in cats include:
- Weakness and Fatigue: Cats may appear lethargic, tire more easily, and have reduced interest in play or physical activities.
- Rapid or Labored Breathing: Cats with heart murmurs may breathe faster or struggle to catch their breath even at rest.
- Coughing: Chronic or persistent coughing, especially during or after physical activity, can indicate a heart issue.
- Restlessness: Cats might have difficulty settling down or sleeping comfortably due to discomfort.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss could be an indication of a heart problem in some cases.
- Fainting or Collapsing: In severe cases, cats may faint or collapse due to inadequate blood flow.
Do all murmurs sound the same?
No. The loudness of a murmur reflects the amount of turbulence that is present in the heart. However, the loudness of a heart murmur does not always correlate directly with the severity of the disease.
Murmurs are graded by their intensity, usually on a scale of I-VI. A Grade I murmur is very soft or quiet, may only be heard intermittently, and is usually only heard in one location on the chest. A Grade VI murmur is very loud, heard everywhere that the heart can be heard, and can be felt when a person places their hand on the chest in the area of the heart.
“Most murmurs are also characterized by their location or where they are the loudest.”
How is a heart murmur treated?
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the heart murmur or the turbulent blood flow. Physiologic heart murmurs do not require any treatment, however, regular monitoring is advised to ensure that no other problems develop. If the heart murmur is caused by an underlying problem, the treatment plan will be based on the diagnosis and may include a combination of specialized diets, medications, and supportive care.
Causes of Heart Murmur in Cats:
Heart murmurs in cats can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developed over time). Some common underlying causes of heart murmurs include:
- Cardiomyopathy: A disease affecting the heart muscle, leading to decreased heart function.
- Heart Valve Abnormalities: Malformed or leaking heart valves can disrupt blood flow and cause murmurs.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid glands can contribute to heart murmurs in some cases.
- Anemia: LA lowered blood cell count can result in turbulent blood flow and cause murmurs.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated blood pressure can strain the heart and create abnormal sounds.
Treatment of Heart Murmur in Cats:
Treatment of the disease is based on the deduction stage and the damage caused. There are some of the common methods that can be used either alone or in combinations to treat the disease.
- Medication: Veterinarians may prescribe medications to manage heart conditions, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers.
- Dietary Management: A specialized diet may be recommended to support heart health and manage any concurrent conditions.
- Fluid Drainage: In certain cases, fluid buildup around the heart may require drainage to alleviate pressure.
- Surgery: For congenital heart defects or severe valve issues, surgical intervention might be necessary.
- Monitoring: Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential to assess the cat’s condition and adjust treatment as needed.
How Is a Heart Murmur in Cats Diagnosed?
A heart murmur and underlying heart disease will be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Diagnosis can be made via:
- Clinical examination
- Echocardiogram or ultrasound
- Blood tests
- X-rays
An echocardiogram with a Doppler examination is the best test to determine the location of the murmur. It will usually accurately pinpoint the location of the problem causing the murmur by measuring the speed and direction of blood flow.
Conclusion:
A heart murmur in a cat should never be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying heart issue that requires prompt attention. If you notice any concerning symptoms or suspect your cat has a heart murmur, seek veterinary care immediately. With early detection, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, you can improve the quality of your feline friend’s life and ensure they lead a healthier and happier existence.