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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
Related Symptom Pages
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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