Natural Treatment for Heart Disease in Senior CatsNatural treatment for heart disease in senior cats addresses what you the pet parent can do to prevent and treat heart conditions in your senior cat by use of natural supplements, along with competent veterinary care.
Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyOne type of heart disease that vets see in elderly and even middle-aged cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a condition that is characterized by a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart and is often associated with hyperthyroidism in cats. Left untreated, HCM can cause severe problems such as heart failure (the heart cannot meet the circulatory needs of the body), or clotting in blood vessels that obstructs flow to the limbs. Indeed, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can range from mild to potentially life-threatening. The causes of HCM are primarily genetic, with Maine coon, Persian and Rag Doll cats being particularly susceptible. Some factors that can precipitate the condition are infection with fever, difficulty breathing, anesthesia administration and stress. What are the Presenting Symptoms of HCM?Sudden difficulty in breathing, weight loss, weakness or lethargy, fainting and limb paralysis are all signs associated with HCM. Once again, a vet can diagnose HCM before any of these symptoms present, so it is important to see your vet annually, being prepared to talk about any changes you notice in your cat's health or behavior. Your vet will use ECG, x-ray or Doppler along with blood work to confirm diagnosis. As with other diseases, early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. How is HCM Treated?Treatment protocol really depends on the progression of the disease in your cat, and can include pharmaceuticals such as beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors. Natural treatment for heart disease in senior cats, particularly HCM, would include a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention and wholesome natural foods that are high in taurine and L-carnitine. Both taurine and L-carnitine supplements would be helpful as well. Restricted and Unclassified CardiomyopathiesRestricted or unclassified cardiomyopathies are also common forms of heart disease in senior cats, most often characterized by severely enlarged heart chambers and a decreased ability to pump. While the clinical signs resemble those of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the ventricle muscle is not thickened, but simply not able to pump properly. Treatment of Restricted and Uncalssified CardiomyopathiesThe treatment protocol for restricted or unclassified cardiomyopathies is similar to that of HCM. Beat blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics form the basis of pharmacological treatment. A low-salt, taurine- and L-carnitine-sufficient diet is recommended as an addition to pharmaceutical intervention. As always, your vet is your best guide on the appropriate treatment for your cat and the progression of the heart disease. Return from Natural Treatment for Heart Disease in Senior Cats to Natural Senior Cat Care
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