Heart Murmur In Cats Symptoms

Collapsing spells from an irregular heart rhythm or small.

Heart murmur in cats symptoms. There are no physical symptoms of heart murmurs since they can only be heard using a stethoscope. 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. Of breathing difficulties shortness of breath wheezing.

The most common symptoms that are observed with a cat that has a clinically significant heart murmur are poor appetite weight loss or stunted growth in a kitten breathing problems pale gums lethargy or weakness. 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. A cat heart murmur is an irregularity of the heart rhythm caused by abnormal blood flow.

However the clinical signs may be subtle and not noticeable until the disease becomes advanced. Signs of heart disease in cats include rapid breathing weakness lethargy and collapse. Many doctors and pet parents ignore the significance of finding a heart murmur in a normal cat or dog.

Sudden loss of function of one or more legs due to blood clots obstructing blood flow to the affected legs. The heart murmur is only audible with a stethoscope and is therefore very difficult for the cat owner to detect. Watch out for the following clinical signs of heart murmur in cats.

Some cats may not exhibit any signs at all. Often one of the first symptoms of. The most common symptoms that are observed with a cat that has a clinically significant heart murmur are poor appetite weight loss or stunted growth in a kitten breathing problems pale gums lethargy or.

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. A weight loss visible. To diagnose the cause of a heart murmur your vet might recommend tests such as blood tests echocardiograms and chest x-rays.