Heart defects in cats is a pathology characterized by changes in the valve apparatus. The disease is manifested by valve insufficiency, expressed by its narrowing or incomplete closure. Such a condition creates obstacles to the normal outflow of blood through the valve opening.
Causes
The causes of the development of heart defects in cats are different. The disease can develop as a consequence of endocarditis and rheumatic heart disease, or appear after experiencing other diseases. Congenital heart abnormality in young kittens is considered rare.
Symptoms
Persistent paw swelling as a sign of heart defects signals an enlarged heart or indicates impaired blood flow. Heart problems can give themselves away with changes such as:
- Headaches and dizziness;
- seizures;
- fainting or convulsions;
- Pallor, blueness, or redness of the mucous membranes.
Treatment
If the cat has the above symptoms, an ultrasound of the heart should be performed. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the animal must undergo tests, undergo hardware diagnostics, and undergo various tests.
Lack of timely treatment of heart defects is fraught for the cat with narrowing of the atrioventricular left heart valve opening and hypertrophy of both ventricles. When palpating the heart area, you may notice a slight trembling of the chest during contraction of the heart muscles.
The treatment of the disease is selected on an individual basis based on the results of the examination. However, the veterinarian always insists on restricting the animal’s movement and prescribing a diet.