Management of Heart Disease in Cats

This second article in the two-part series will review the options available for management of the common acquired cardiac diseases in cats.  Myocardial diseases are the most common cardiac diseases in cats and they have a very variable prognosis. Some cats will live a normal life while others will develop congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death. Here, we review management options in the pre-clinical phase, as well as acute and chronic management of congestive heart failure and arterial thromboembolism. Examples of echocardiographic and radiographic changes are provided as well as tables and figures covering the mechanism of action for the drugs used.

Key words: Management of Heart Disease in Cats, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism, treatment, feline, cardiology.