Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

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.

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