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Thyroid Heart Disease in Cats

Heart disease secondary to hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones cause cardiac muscle thickening and dilation, potentially leading to heart failure.

Vet Supervised

Symptoms

  • Rapid heart rate
  • Heart murmur
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Weight loss

Causes

  • Secondary to hyperthyroidism
  • Sustained high cardiac output
  • Cardiac muscle overload

Diagnosis

1

Echocardiography

2

Thyroid hormone levels

3

Chest X-rays

4

ECG

5

Blood pressure measurement

Treatment

  • Treatment of hyperthyroidism (primary treatment)
  • Cardiac medications (as needed)
  • Diuretics
  • ACE inhibitors

Prognosis

Cardiac changes are often reversible with proper thyroid management. Delayed treatment may result in irreversible changes.

Severity: High

Prevention

  • Early detection and treatment of hyperthyroidism
  • Regular checkups for senior cats
  • Regular blood tests

Commonly Affected Breeds

Epidemiology

Age Range

Senior cats (10+ years)

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