What is the best diet for pets with heart disease?
In summary, my feeding and dietary tips for pets with heart disease or heart failure include: Provide your pet a high-quality natural meat-based diet with at least 25-30% protein (DM basis) for dogs and 40% protein (DM basis) for cats. Make sure your pet LIKES the food.
What are the treatment options for feline heart disease?
Treatment options for feline heart disease include a wide range of medications, including: Oxygen therapy is helpful for any cat in respiratory distress, which is common in cats when they present with heart disease
Are there any dietary recommendations for cats with congestive heart failure?
Presently there are no recommended dietary recommendations for cats diagnosed with early, non-clinical HCM. Recommendations generally address the needs of the various stages and treatments of congestive heart failure that result from this genetic disorder. Adequate protein is essential for HCM at all stages.
What to do if your cat has high blood pressure?
Pimobendan can help improve the force of heart contractions. Blood pressure medications are used when a cat has high blood pressure as this can worsen heart disease. Medications to prevent blood clots may be used when the vet feels the cat is at risk of a blood clot, or thromboembolism.
What do you feed a cat with heart failure?
In summary, my feeding and dietary tips for pets with heart disease or heart failure include: Provide your pet a high-quality natural meat-based diet with at least 25-30% protein (DM basis) for dogs and 40% protein (DM basis) for cats.
How can I help my cat with heart disease?
Some commonly used medications for cats include the ACE inhibitors enalapril or benazepril, the beta blocker atenolol, and diuretics such as furosemide or spironolactone. A very low dose of aspirin or a medication called clopidogrel (brand name Plavix® in the US) may be used if blood clotting is a problem.
How long do cats live after being diagnosed with heart disease?
What is the life expectancy of cats with heart disease? Cats with structural heart disease will likely develop recurrent signs of congestive heart failure over time and require lifelong medication. In general, the average survival time after a cat has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure is 6 to 12 months.
Can cats live a long life with heart disease?
Most cats with congestive heart failure will live 6 to 12 months. If a heart condition such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is detected early on, treatment and management can mean a close-to-normal lifetime for your cat.
Are cats with heart disease in pain?
Heart Disease in Cats - Pain Some cats with heart disease can develop a painful, paralyzing condition called saddle thrombus. This condition is caused when a blood clot develops in the heart and moves out of the aorta blocking blood flow to a cat's hind legs.
Can you reverse heart disease in cats?
The importance of nutrition Although treatments cannot reverse heart disease, your cat can live a relatively normal life. The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. When your cat has been diagnosed with a heart condition, it's even more important to feed the right cat food.
Should you euthanize a cat with heart disease?
If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death — the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later.
How do I know if my cat is dying from heart failure?
Difficulty with or discontinuing exercise. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing possibly accompanied by fluid buildup in the lungs and chest. Sudden paralysis of the hind quarters. Fast breathing during dormancy (not panting)
What are the 4 stages of congestive heart failure?
There are four heart failure stages (Stage A, B, C and D). The stages range from "high risk of developing heart failure" to "advanced heart failure."...Stage CShortness of breath.Feeling tired (fatigue).Less able to exercise.Weak legs.Waking up to urinate.Swollen feet, ankles, lower legs and abdomen (edema).
When should you put your cat down?
Signs that your cat is in pain and may no longer have a good quality of life can include:not eating or drinking.vomiting.difficulty breathing.avoiding physical contact.sitting or lying in an unusual position.excessive shaking.crying.disorientation or confusion.More items...•
Are cats with congestive heart failure in pain?
Compared to dogs, cats with heart disease also have significantly higher risks for developing blood clots in their legs. This more commonly occurs in the hind legs and may manifest as acute, severe pain or loss of normal limb function. Other signs may include: Coughing.
Can cats recover from congestive heart failure?
In most cases, however, the problem cannot be cured. Nonetheless, treatment can almost always help improve cats' quality and length of life. Cats with severe congestive heart failure may require initial hospitalization and oxygen therapy.
Can cats recover from congestive heart failure?
Is It Curable? Unfortunately, most of the damage that occurs in the heart during heart failure is usually irreversible. However, with proper treatment you may be able to temporarily correct fluid buildup in the chest, lungs, or abdomen and start your cat on medications that help slow any further damage to the heart.
Should you euthanize a cat with heart disease?
If the pet has a condition like congestive heart failure, or untreatable brain cancer — a disease that will, unchecked, lead to a painful death — the recommendation may be for euthanasia sooner instead of later.
How do I know if my cat is dying from heart failure?
Difficulty with or discontinuing exercise. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing possibly accompanied by fluid buildup in the lungs and chest. Sudden paralysis of the hind quarters. Fast breathing during dormancy (not panting)
What is the life expectancy of a cat with a heart murmur?
In most cases, the disease will continue to progress over time and heart function will become compromised. Cats that develop heart failure have a guarded prognosis and survival times are usually estimated to be 12 to 18 months after diagnosis.
What Is Heart Disease?
The heart, located in the chest, is one of the most essential organs in the body. The heart starts beating before a kitten is born, and continues to beat right up until the moment of death.
What Causes Heart Disease
There are many different causes of feline heart disease, but they can be divided into two main groups.
What Are The Signs Of Heart Disease
There are two situations when an owner may become aware of heart disease.
How Does A Veterinarian Make A Diagnosis Of Heart Disease?
Heart disease is usually diagnosed by a veterinarian listening to your cat’s heart with a stethoscope, often during a routine health check.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Disease In Cats
In the early stages, heart disease is asymptomatic, but if the heart disease is more advanced then signs such as signs of congestive heart failure develop, including dullness, inappetence and reduced activity.
What Are The Different Types Of Heart Muscle Disease (Cardiomyopathy)?
1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common type of feline heart disease, accounting for around 60% of cases. Often the cause is unknown, but it’s more common in some pedigree cat breeds, including Maine Coon cats, and Ragdolls, suggesting a genetic cause in some cases.
Treatment Options For Heart Disease In Cats
It is important to remember that the cause of the heart disease must be identified accurately, as innocent heart murmurs need no treatment whatsoever.
What is the best diet for a dog with heart failure?
It is important to select a diet that: Has mild, moderate or severe salt restriction depending on the stage of heart disease . Contains supplemental nutrients that may have positive effects on heart function.
Why is it important to know your pet's heart condition before you start a diet?
It is important that you understand the nature and severity of your pet's heart condition before selecting a suitable diet. This distinction is important because a pet with heart disease may have vastly different medical and nutritional requirements than a pet with heart failure.
What is the best supplement for heart muscle?
For example, supplementation of carnitine helps support heart muscle energy production and metabolism. Most veterinary prescription heart diets supplement with high levels of taurine and carnitine to support healthy heart function. These supplements are also available from health food stores.
How to get sodium out of a dog's diet?
You can also cut sodium out of your pet's diet by using fresh vegetables and fresh lean or freeze-dried meats as treats and avoiding certain human snacks that are very high in sodium. Only in advanced cases of heart failure should a severely sodium-restricted diet be considered.
What is heart disease in dogs?
Heart disease is diagnosed when a pet has evidence of a heart abnormality such as a heart murmur, enlarged heart, valve changes, or other heart abnormalities–but is not showing any outward clinical signs.
What does heart failure mean for dogs?
Heart failure occurs when a pet with heart disease (as previously defined) shows signs such as difficulty breathing, coughing, belly distention, edema or fluid buildup. This is the reason that there is not one single "best diet" for managing pets with heart disease.
Why do dogs lose weight when they are in heart failure?
Pets lose weight when they are in heart failure because of poor appetites, increased energy requirements and the production of inflammatory hormones.
How to tell if a cat has heart disease?
Signs of Heart Disease in Cats. Acute weakness or paralysis in rear limbs (blockage due to blood clot, called saddle thrombus or thromboembolism) Note that a heart murmur does not always indicate the presence of heart disease. A heart murmur occurs due to turbulence in the blood flowing through the heart.
What is the most common heart disease in cats?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is considered the most common form of heart disease in cats and is generally a common health issue in cats. HCM causes thickening of the heart walls. It especially affects the left ventricle, making it difficult to pump blood throughout the body.
Why do cats need blood pressure medication?
Blood pressure medications are used when a cat has high blood pressure as this can worsen heart disease. Medications to prevent blood clots may be used when the vet feels the cat is at risk of a blood clot, or thromboembolism. Supplements such as antioxidants may be helpful in supporting cardiac function in cats.
What is the medical term for a cat's heart?
Most cardiac disorders diagnosed in cats are called cardiomyopathies. The term "cardiomyopathy" simply means a disease or disorder of the heart and is used to describe structural or anatomical abnormalities in the heart. Cardiomyopathy has several forms.
What is the most common heart defect in kittens?
Ventricular septal defect is the most common type of congenital heart defect seen in kittens. A kitten can be born with a hole in the ventricular septum, a part of the heart that separates the left and right ventricle and keeps blood from flowing into the wrong chamber.
Why do cats have heart problems?
Most forms of heart disease in cats are acquired in adulthood. Some develop due to genetic predisposition while others may be connected to other health issues like obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism .
What happens when a kitten's heart valve fails?
When the vessel fails to close, the kitten will have too much blood flowing from the heart to the lungs. While PDA can cause heart failure, it may be surgically repaired by a veterinary surgeon when the kitten is a few months old. 1 . Mitral valve dysplasia is somewhat common among congenital heart defects in cats.
What is the best supplement for dogs with CHF?
Your veterinarian can help you choose specific nutritional formulations that meet these recommendations. Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a concern in those dogs who also have kidney disease.
What is the most common heart disease in dogs?
Heart disease in general, and congestive heart failure (CHF) in particular, are fairly common diseases in d ogs. The most common acquired heart abnormality (differentiated from a heart abnormality the dog is born with) is chronic valvular disease. The valves deteriorate and become stiff, allowing blood to flow backward as the heart beats. Over time this can lead to the vascular congestion, as suggested by the name of the disease.
What is the sodium content of dog food?
The sodium intake for a dog with CHF should be restricted to 0.08% - 0.25% on a dry matter (DM) basis, and chloride should be restricted to 0.12% - 0.38% (DM).
What is the recommended dietary level for dogs with kidney disease?
Phosphorus should be restricted to 0.2% - 0.52% DM. Potassium. Potassium serum levels should be monitored in the dog, but a good dietary level of potassium to start with is 0.4% - 0.52% DM.
What are the common diseases in older dogs?
For instance, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and obesity are common in older dogs. Any, or all of these conditions may be present and would benefit from good nutritional choices. The key to success is understanding which disease takes precedence.
Why does my dog have congestive heart failure?
A second cause for congestive heart failure in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy in which the heart muscle thins, dilates, and can no longer beat effectively enough to move blood. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may be a contributor to heart disease ...
Does sodium chloride prevent heart disease?
While a lower sodium chloride content in a dog's food will not prevent heart disease, at the first sign of heart disease, foods should be chosen with sodium and chloride levels within the recommended restrictive ranges. It may be appropriate to consider using distilled water if the household water has more than 150ppm of sodium.
