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Cardiomyopathies are diseases of the heart muscle, and they can affect dogs, cats, humans, and a multitude of other species. There are different types and causes of cardiomyopathies, which is why it\u2019s important for pet parents to work with a family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary cardiologist to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have concerns about your pet\u2019s heart health, here is information regarding common causes and symptoms of cardiomyopathies in dogs and cats.<\/p>\n
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The most common type of cardiomyopathy in dogs is <\/span>dilated cardiomyopathy<\/span><\/b> (DCM). In this disorder, the heart muscle becomes weakened, thin, and does not pump efficiently – leading to enlargement of the cardiac chambers.\u00a0DCM is the second most common acquired heart disease in dogs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In cats, <\/span>hypertrophic cardiomyopathy<\/span><\/b> (HCM) is both the most frequently-seen cardiomyopathy and the most common acquired heart disease overall.\u00a0 Cats with HCM have hearts with a thickened muscle that does not relax well during <\/span>diastole<\/span><\/i>, the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the chambers fill with blood.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Typically<\/span>,<\/span> genetics are to blame, but rarely, there are nutritional, viral, hormonal, <\/span>parasitic, <\/span>or <\/span>bacterial causes of heart muscle disease in pets.\u00a0 In cats, high blood pressure and high thyroid levels <\/span>can cause the heart muscle to thicken.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regardless<\/span> of the type of heart disease, all cardiomyopathies may lead to congestive heart failure and a build-up of fluid within the lungs and\/or abdomen. <\/span>Signs that a pet owner might notice include<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It <\/span>is important to note that seeing one of these signs does not necessarily mean that there is a problem with your pet\u2019s heart, but it is a good idea to mention your observations to your <\/span>family <\/span>veterinarian to see if further diagnostics are warranted.\u00a0 Physical exam findings that your <\/span>family <\/span>veterinarian might detect include<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few tips:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you have any questions about your pet\u2019s heart health, talk to your family veterinarian. After confirming any heart-related problem or disease, your family veterinarian may provide a diagnosis and treatment options or refer you to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s Cardiology Service <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. Our board-certified veterinary cardiologists are dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and treating disorders of the heart and cardiovascular system.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More articles on your pet\u2019s heart health:<\/p>\n![\"Cardiomyopathies,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat causes cardiomyopathies?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat are some symptoms of cardiomyopathies in pets?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat can <\/span>pet parents do to ensure their pet\u2019s heart remains healthy?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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