Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Follow-up

Optimal treatment for a pet with HCM requires both home and professional veterinary care with follow-up being critical. Administer prescribed medications and alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet. Follow-up includes:

Precise follow-up depends on the severity of your cat's disease, its response to therapy, your vet's recommendations and your views. A possible schedule may include follow-up every 6 to 9 months, depending on the natural course of the disease. Recheck examinations are done more frequently initially to monitor therapy.

Chest X-rays to monitor response to therapy

Blood samples checked periodically to monitor effect of drugs on kidneys and electrolytes (potassium, for example)

Blood pressure measurements taken periodically in cats receiving diuretics or ACE inhibitors like enalapril or benazepril (which reduce blood pressure).

Echocardiogram done initially and repeated periodically (at 3 to 6 months after diagnosis and again in 9 to 12 months, for example).

Disease can change rapidly, and tests to monitor disease progression will influence decisions about therapy and prognosis.