Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Murmurs are also extremely common in older cats. Over time, the
seal a valve forms may begin to leak. Leaky valves causing congestive
heart failure are much less common in cats than they are in dogs, where
this disorder is frequently observed.
HOW THE HEART IS EVALUATED
Hormones and other chemicals within the body affect heart output.
Every cat owner has felt the pounding of their pet's heart when he
becomes fearful. Adrenaline stimulates the heart to pump faster so the
animal can react more quickly to fear. I meet many fearful animals at
my veterinary clinic. Gentle stroking and calm words are often needed
to relax the animal so that heart auscultation can be done properly. But
I have to be careful not to relax the animal too much—if he really
relaxes, I can't hear his heart over the purring!
The tests that are performed to check the heart are:
Auscultation
Chest X rays
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Heart sonogram-echocardiogram
If an examination and auscultation cause a veterinarian to suspect
heart disease, the next diagnostic step is chest X rays. X rays show the
size, shape and location of the heart.They also show if there is fluid or
other problems in the lungs or chest cavity.
An ECG may or may not be performed.This test measures the elec-
trical activity of the heart and can localize some types of heart disease.
The feline heart is relatively small, which makes diagnostic testing dif-
ficult, and electrocardiograph measurement in cats produces small trac-
ings that can be a challenge to interpret.
Cardiac ultrasonography, or sonogram, is the most useful diagnostic
tool available to assess the heart's function and appearance. X rays of the
heart tell veterinarians about the size and shape of the heart, but not
how the blood is being pushed through. Ultrasound enables the veteri-
narian to see and measure the individual heart chambers, valves and
major blood vessels. It can also document cardiac output and blood-
flow patterns. This information is crucial when diagnosing a problem
with the heart muscle. It can also be used to measure a cat's response to
drug therapy.
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