Cat Heart Disease Symptoms & Checks: Quick Guide
Basic Checks for Feline Cardiovascular Disease:
The attitude and behavior of an animal can provide clues to the presence and severity of any health issues. Look out for signs of depression, alertness, lethargy, or hyperactivity. If the cat is lying down or refusing to lie down, it may indicate serious conditions such as pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, pneumothorax, diaphragmatic or respiratory diseases. If the cat stands with elbows locked, head extended, nostrils dilated, and shows signs of difficulty breathing, immediate veterinary attention is required, as these symptoms can be lifethreatening. During a physical examination, if a cat coughs, it can help the veterinarian observe the cough's characteristics, which can be crucial in diagnosing the problem.
Inspect the head for any asymmetry or swelling.
Eyes: Any changes in the eyes should prompt a check for systemic diseases. Cats with hypertension may exhibit weakened pupillary responses due to retinal detachment or bleeding. Swelling of the optic disc can be observed during funduscopic examination when hemorrhages or retinal detachments are present. Cats with dilated cardiomyopathy due to taurine deficiency may show central retinal atrophy, with degenerative areas appearing horizontal, linear, and hyperreflective.
Ears: In terms of the cardiovascular system, there are no specific changes in the ears, and changes in ear color are typically observed during cyanosis.
Nostrils: Monitor any changes in symptoms related to nasal diseases.
Mouth: Pay close attention to the color and perfusion of the mucous membranes. A CRT (Cardiac Rebound Time) longer than two seconds may indicate reduced cardiac output. In most cases of heart failure, the mucous membranes appear normal, and changes do not occur until the heart failure is very severe. Therefore, mucous membrane color and perfusion cannot be used as indicators of normal blood circulation.
Cyanosis: As mentioned earlier, dark red to grayish discoloration of the oral mucosa is due to polycythemia and can be caused by chronic righttoleft shunts. White mucosa—indicating anemia or hypoperfusion—should be compared to the mucosa of the posterior orifices (vagina, prepuce) in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus. Severe tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal abscesses can be a source of bacteremia and may even indicate endocarditis.
Neck: When the animal is standing, assess the jugular vein pulsation. Any pulsations above the upper third of the neck are considered abnormal.
Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on feline heart disease, you can read our article "How to Feed Senior Dogs with Heart Disease" for valuable insights.
