What does it mean if my cat has no HCM?

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Arleen Binkley asked a question: What does it mean if my cat has no HCM?
Asked By: Arleen Binkley
Date created: Tue, Jul 26, 2022 7:54 AM
Date updated: Tue, May 14, 2024 11:35 AM

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Video answer: Heart disease in cats - HCM and heart failure

Heart disease in cats - HCM and heart failure

Best answer to the question «What does it mean if my cat has no HCM?»

Negative – This means that your cat does not have the genetic mutation for Sphynx HCM. However, this does not mean that your cat can never get HCM since there may be other causes of the disease; it means that it will not get HCM from the known Sphynx DNA mutation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «What does it mean if my cat has no HCM?» often ask the following questions:

đŸ˜» What causes heart failure in cats with HCM?

In a cat with HCM, the heart’s left ventricle (its primary “pump muscle”) is thickened, leading to a decrease in the volume of the heart chamber and to abnormal relaxation of the heart muscle. These changes can cause the heart to beat rapidly, resulting in increased oxygen usage and possibly to oxygen starvation of the heart muscle.

đŸ˜» How to tell if your cat has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Cats. A heart murmur or arrhythmia may be heard on an annual physical exam by your veterinarian and can be the first clinical sign. For this reason, any cat with a heart murmur or arrhythmia should ideally be worked up to rule out underlying heart disease (see “Diagnosis” below).

đŸ˜» What are the symptoms of HCM in cats?

If your cat isn't able to move oxygen through its lungs, it will have difficulties breathing and may be weak or collapse. Sudden hind limb paralysis is a scary symptom that can also be a result of HCM. If a clot travels out of the heart and blocks blood flow to the hind limbs, your cat will appear to be paralyzed.

Video answer: HCM in Cats: What You Need To Know

HCM in Cats: What You Need To Know

Your Answer

We've handpicked 18 related questions for you, similar to «What does it mean if my cat has no HCM?» so you can surely find the answer!

What does it mean if a cat has HCM?
A negative genetic test for the currently known mutation does not guarantee that HCM from another mutation yet to be identified will not develop. However, a positive test indicates the individual is either a carrier of or will develop HCM. Description: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of the cat.
Why did my cat die suddenly, with no symptoms of illness?
The most common reason for a young cat to die suddenly is a heart problem called HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). This condition does occur in Maine Coon cats sometimes. When a cat has HCM there can often be no symptoms and then one day the heart just fails.
What is a clear echocardiogram for a Bengal cat?
This is called an echocardiogram. Since Bengal cats usually don’t develop HCM until they’re older, a clear echocardiogram done on a young cat does not mean that it won’t develop HCM later.
What does a normal Ragdoll HCM test mean?
Ragdoll Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (RD-HCM) Interpretation of results A Normal result on the Ragdoll HCM genetic test means that the cat does not have the respective genetic mutation. It is possible that some cats may go on to develop cardiac disease due to other, as yet unidentified genetic mutations.

Video answer: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Cats

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Cats How do you test for HCM in cats?
How it’s tested for: Unlike PRA and PK-Def, there’s no easy DNA test for HCM. To determine if a cat has HCM, an ultrasound of the heart must be done by a cardiologist (this is very expensive, and it can be hard to find someone able to do this test). This is called an echocardiogram.
Do Bengal cats get HCM?
Since Bengal cats usually don’t develop HCM until they’re older, a clear echocardiogram done on a young cat does not mean that it won’t develop HCM later. How to avoid HCM: There’s a genetic link, so the best way to avoid the probability in offspring is to regularly screen breeding cats and not breed an affected cat or his/her immediate offspring.
How do you know if your cat has HCM?
Many cats with HCM are asymptomatic meaning they have no clinical signs. The disease may be discovered when listening to the heart and abnormalities such as a heart murmur, arrhythmias and/or extra heart sounds (gallop rhythm) are heard.
What health problems do Ragdolls have?
Another health concern for ragdolls is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that thickens the heart’s walls. HCM can lead to heart failure and death. Symptoms of HCM include coughing, difficulty breathing, and rapid weight gain. There is no cure for HCM, but treatment options are available.
How often should a cat with HCM have a chest xray?
If your cat is diagnosed with HCM but has no symptoms, a routine physical examination and one or more specialised tests (i.e. an echocardiogram, chest radiographs, ECG) may be recommended every six to twelve months to monitor for any progression of the disease.
What happens if a British Shorthair has HCM?
British Shorthairs are susceptible to developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. HCM is a heart condition that makes the walls of the heart thicken and decreases the organ’s efficiency. A cat with HCM may have a heart that beats too rapidly, which increases the heart’s oxygen usage. This, in turn, can cause heart cells to die.

Video answer: CATS WITH HEART DISEASE | How I care for my cat with HCM

CATS WITH HEART DISEASE | How I care for my cat with HCM What is the life expectancy of a ragdoll with HCM?
Tilley & Goodwin (2003) stated that, in general, cats with HCM and no signs of heart failure have an average life expectancy of five years from diagnosis and those with heart failure of three months. 4. Number of animals affected Approximately 30% of Ragdolls in the UK carry the mutant gene that causes HCM (FAB no date).
Does my cat have Sphynx HCM?
Once you run the DNA test we will send you results that state your cat’s results are either: Negative – This means that your cat does not have the genetic mutation for Sphynx HCM.
Is there a cure for HCM in cats?
Although HCM has no known cure, a specialized care plan can help manage clinical signs of the condition in your cat. Treatment goals include controlling the heart rate, alleviating lung congestion (congestive heart failure), and preventing the formation of blood clots that can lead to thromboembolism.
What should a breeder do if a cat has HCM?
Breeders should use all the information they can gather about HCM in family lines, including pedigree analysis based on accurate identification of affected cats. Any cat that dies suddenly or dies from HCM should have a necropsy (i.e., post mortem examination).
What does it mean when a cat has no stools?
Finding no stools means that they’re suffering from constipation, but if there’s an absence of urine, you should get your cat to a vet right away as a urinary tract blockage can become fatal fast. But if your cat is still passing urine normally, it’s quite likely that your cat is constipated.
How can I tell if my cat has HCM?
Ultrasound testing of the heart to measure the thickness of the heart wall and to determine the presence of HCM is used along with the gene tests (which are available from a number of laboratories) to characterise cats.
What does it mean when a cat meows for no reason?
A short burst of meows can be a sign that your cat wants you to play with it or make a fuss of it. If you’ve been out and your cat has been alone for some time, it may run to greet you, meowing as it does so.
Can cats with HCM be removed from breeding lines?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This type of heart disease is extremely common in cats, and is characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle. Cats with HCM are typically removed from breeding lines, but there's no guarantee against it.

Video answer: Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy HCM #HCM #felineheartdisease

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy HCM #HCM #felineheartdisease