With HCM and RCM – the disease mainly interferes with the ability of the heart muscle to relax properly between contractions.The alteration in heart function depends on the type of cardiomyopathy though: In cardiomyopathy, the underlying abnormality of the cardiac muscle leads to a compromise in cardiac function. Genetic defects have been recognised in Maine Coon cats and other breeds that may contribute to development of cardiomyopathy.Some drugs may have secondary effects on the heart. Taurine deficiency (causing dilated cardiomyopthy).Acromegaly (excessive growth hormone production).Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands).Cardiomyopathy secondary to other diseases.Known potential underlying causes include: Intermediate cardiomyopathy (ICM) – these cases have changes consistent with more than one type of disease – for example a mixture of both hypertrophy and dilatation present.Īlthough in the majority of cases of heart disease in cats the underlying cause is unknown, there are various potential recognised causes, and your vet may need to investigate some of these.Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) – here primarily there is fibrosis of the wall of the heart, making it stiff and inelastic, so preventing the heart chambers filling normally.Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – this is where the muscular wall of the heart generally becomes thinner than usual, the heart enlarges, and the heart muscle cannot contract effectively.This reduces the volume of blood within the heart and also prevents the heart muscle relaxing properly between contractions.
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