Heart Murmurs in Cats

Heart Murmurs in Cats

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Section: Overview


Possible Causes of Murmurs

Murmurs can be caused by a variety of cardiac and non cardiac diseases. Some diseases that can affect the heart but are not caused by an underlying heart disease.

Cardiac Causes of a Murmur

  • Subaortic stenosis
  • Pulmonary stenosis
  • Septal defects
  • Atrioventricular dysplasia
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Mitral Stenosis
  • Aortic Valvular Insufficiency
  • Pulmonic Valvular insufficiency
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
  • Arteriovenous fistula
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Chronic Valvular Heart Disease in Cats - Endocardiosis

    Non-cardiac Causes of a Murmur

  • Fever
  • Anemia in Cats
  • Infection causing endocarditis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Heartworm Disease
  • Pericardial Disease
  • Tumors
  • Obesity
  • Cachexia
  • Pregnancy

    Treatment

    Treatment depends on the underlying disease. There are a variety of causes of heart murmurs and each is managed differently. Some are serious and require medication or even surgery. Others are innocuous and do not require any treatment at all.

    Prognosis

    The prognosis of pets with a murmur is variable. It depends on the underlying cause for the murmur.

    Home Care and Prevention

    There is no home care for heart murmurs, except that you should administer any medications your veterinarian prescribes. If you suspect that your pet has a heart murmur, you should discuss diagnostic options with your veterinarian. Animals with heart murmurs should be monitored periodically to determine if disease is progressive.



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