Heart Murmur In Cats Symptoms

Common Questions and Answers about Heart murmur in cats symptoms.

Heart murmur in cats symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns about your cats health be sure to get in touch with your vet. Some other extracardiac heart murmurs are secondary or caused by changes in the heart that occur because of some other disease - in cats the most common cause of a secondary heart murmur is hyperthyroidism see handout Hyperthyroidism in Cats which causes a form of cardiomyopathy called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The heart murmur is only audible with a stethoscope and is therefore very difficult for the cat owner to detect.

Granted we already had two older cats and a young dog we knew that adding yet another cat would take them some time to adjust. A cat heart murmur is an irregularity of the heart rhythm caused by abnormal blood flow. There are no physical symptoms of heart murmurs since they can only be heard using a stethoscope.

Of breathing difficulties shortness of breath wheezing. Weight loss and decreased energy are also common symptoms. When symptoms arise they may include signs of congestive heart failure increased respiratory rate labored breathing shortness of breath lethargy and appetite loss or changes in daily behavior such as hiding or seclusion.

If the heart murmur is severe enough to cause heart disease such as congestive heart failure then signs such as coughing difficulty breathing rapid breathing or even collapse may be seen. Symptoms of a heart murmur can vary widely depending on several characteristics. Signs of heart disease in cats include rapid breathing weakness lethargy and collapse.

This can indicate an irregularity with blood flow between the hearts valves which could affect oxygen and nutrients levels as blood is pumped around the body. Not all heart murmurs indicate a problem. Rapid or difficult breathing.

Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. Loss of appetite anorexia Weight loss. This type of disturbed flow can be the result of structural problems within the heart ie heart disease or an extracardiac problem not associated with heart disease.