What is the most common congenital heart disorder in kittens?
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) was most prevalent, found in 50% of cats, followed by tricuspid valve dysplasia (11%), pulmonic stenosis (10%), atrial septal defect (10%), aortic stenosis (9%), mitral valve dysplasia (9%), tetralogy of Fallot (5%), patent ductus arteriosus (3%), common atrioventricular canal (2%), and …
How do I know if my kitten has heart problems?
The most common signs of heart disease in cats are:
- poor appetite.
- weight loss.
- lethargy.
- increased respiratory rate and effort.
- sudden collapse.
- sudden hind leg paralysis accompanied by pain due to thromboembolism (blood clots) which may be referred to as a ‘saddle thrombus’
- stunted growth (kittens)
What are the symptoms of congenital heart defects in cats?
Congenital heart defects in felines are often characterized by specific symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms affecting domestic cats. Chronic coughing. Distended abdomen. Fluid build-up in the stomach. Bluish-tinted skin. Inability to exert themselves during exercise. Losing consciousness.
Can a cat be born with heart problems?
Cats can have heart problems that are not due to infection, disease or trauma. Some cats are born with heart issues that can cause them to have poor health. Congenital heart defects in felines are often characterized by specific symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms affecting domestic cats.
How old do cats have to be to have heart surgery?
Surgery to correct structural defects of the heart is not often recommended for cats over 10 years of age. In young cats or kittens, doctors may recommend surgery to repair congenital defects that cause structural abnormalities.
Are there any medications for congenital heart defects in cats?
In younger cats, medications such as diuretics, digoxin and vasodilators may be prescribed to help control symptoms. Some conditions such as mitral valve problems are not well controlled with medications. The recovery period of congenital heart defects in cats is dependent upon the diagnosis and treatment plan.
When does congenital heart disease occur in cats?
Congenital heart disease in cats is present at birth, and can be inherited from the parents. Acquired, or adult onset heart disease in cats often occurs in middle-aged to older animals due to wear and tear on the heart structures, but can also result from an injury or infection.
What causes congestive heart failure in a cat?
Heart disease in cats is a medical precursor to congestive heart failure in cats, because heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure in cats if untreated. Heart disease in cats can be either congenital or acquired: Congenital heart disease in cats is present at birth, and can be inherited from the parents
Can a cat have asymptomatic heart disease?
Asymptomatic: Heart disease in cats is detected, but there is a lack of any outward signs. Additionally, a heart murmur in cats or arrhythmia may also be present.
Which is the most common heart disease in cats?
Although there are many types of potential heart problems in cats, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is by far the most common heart condition to affect the feline population. What Causes Heart Disease In Cats? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), heart disease in cats affects 1 of every 10 cats worldwide.
