Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
FELINE BLOOD TYPES
Cats have two main blood types: A and B. Almost all mixed-breed
cats and most purebred cats in North America are type A.
Abyssinian, Birman, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex,
Exotic Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Persian, Scottish Fold, Somali
and Sphynx are examples of breeds that may have type B blood.
BORN WITH A BAD HEART
Congenital diseases of the heart do occur in cats but are not as com-
mon as they are in dogs. Any component of the heart can cause disease
if it is defective.The important components of the heart are:
•
The blood vessels leading into and out of the heart
•
The four main chambers of the heart
•
The valves between the chambers of the heart
Cats born with bad hearts may not show any signs of problems.
Signs of heart disease are weakness, rapid or difficult breathing and
exercise intolerance. A veterinarian may suspect heart disease in a cat
after listening to the animal's chest with a stethoscope and evaluating
the rate, rhythm and sound of the heartbeat.
LEAKY VALVES
The tricuspid and mitral valves are important in regulating blood flow
through the heart. In cats, deformities of these valves are the most com-
mon congenital cardiac malformations. Problems with the valves can
often be detected by cardiac auscultation.
Auscultation
means listening to
the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. A murmur—a squishing noise
that indicates there is blood leaking out of the valves when the heart
contracts—can be detected during cardiac auscultation. Instead of
forming a tight seal, blood escapes around the valve.
The intensity or loudness of a heart murmur does not say much about
the severity of damage to the valves. Some kittens are born with murmurs
that they outgrow, much like human children. Other cats have murmurs
their entire lives that never get worse or cause heart disease. Unfortunately,
some murmurs progress and lead to congestive heart failure.
