All cat owners and breeders should be aware of this deadly condition, thought to be genetic. While the long-term prognosis for cats afflicted with this incurable disease is not good, early detection via an echocardiogram and treatment with medication can considerably slow the progression of the disease.
What is HCM?
The Cat Fanciers’ Association states that HCM is a common cardiac condition that most often affects middle-age cats, but has been seen even in very young cats. Tragically, cats with the disease may die suddenly after developing a blood clot in the heart, having displayed no symptoms of ill-health.
A cat’s heart that is affected by HCM will have thickened left ventricle walls. Rather than growing larger outwardly, the walls of the heart grow inward, restricting the amount of blood that can be pumped through the ventricle. As the condition worsens, it becomes increasingly difficult for the heart to perform its job, and the heart eventually fails.
Symptoms of HCM
Many cats with HCM are never diagnosed as having the condition until it is too late – that is, posthumously. The reason for this is that the disease often displays no symptoms at all, or exhibits symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other conditions. However, the following symptoms should be taken very seriously, as they can be indicative of HCM:
- Heart murmur
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Panting, or labored breathing
- Weakness or paralysis of the back legs
Causes of HCM
So far, the cause of Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is unknown; however some studies suggest it to be genetic. Certain breeds appear to be more commonly afflicted, including Maine Coons, Bengals, American Shorthairs, and Ocicats. If a veterinarian believes a cat to be at risk for the condition, he or she may recommend that further screening be undertaken.
Screening for HCM
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, is the best method of detecting moderate to severe HCM; however it may be unreliable in very mild cases of the disease. An echocardiogram can be an expensive test, often costing upwards of $400 at a veterinarian’s office, but it is vitally important if HCM is suspected.
Boolean’s Story
Boolean, an otherwise healthy, male Ocicat was diagnosed with a heart murmur when he was less than one year old. Suddenly, at five years of age, Boolean began to have trouble walking. His owner noticed that he appeared to be having trouble moving his back legs. He was rushed to the emergency vet, and an x-ray and physical exam determined that Boolean was having trouble walking because he was suffering from constipation.
Unfortunately, an enema failed to resolve Boolean’s problems, and during the night he went into cardiac arrest at the veterinarian’s office. It was only after he suffered this heart failure that an echocardiogram was performed, revealing that he was afflicted with HCM. The problems with his legs were revealed to have been caused by a blood clot that had blocked the terminal aorta, causing paralysis of the back legs. Boolean passed away that night.
Sadly, Boolean’s story is not uncommon. Heart murmurs are not always indicative of HCM, but they should be considered a warning sign. Any cat owners – especially owners of at-risk breeds – whose cats display warning signs of HCM should consider further screening for the disease. If treated promptly, cats with HCM may live years longer than those who do not receive treatment.
References:
- Gompf, Rebecca, Kittleson, Mark, and Little Susan. 1997-1998 “Special Report to the Winn Feline Foundation: Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders” Cat Fanciers’ Association. 9 Jan. 2009
- The Cat Fanciers' Association. 1995-2009. The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.. 9 Jan. 2009
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