Dilated cardiomyopathy is rarely seen in cats today. Historically, it was linked to a dietary deficiency in taurine, which has been corrected by most cat food manufacturers. DCM is characterized by a poorly contracting dilated left ventricle and oftentimes enlarged atria.
Do cats get DCM from grain free food?
Well-intentioned pet owners who've been feeding their cats a grain-free diet — thinking that what's beneficial for humans is good for cats — have discovered that it can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition otherwise known as DCM.
How Long Can cats live with DCM?
They can also die without warning. Cats with severe disease generally have a poor prognosis. These cats usually don't live longer than six months after diagnosis.
How do you treat DCM in cats?
“DCM is treated with taurine supplementation, pimobendan and an ACE inhibitor,” said Dr. Sleeper, who sees a handful of feline DCM cases each year. Furosemide is the most effective and lifesaving treatment for cats with CHF, she said.
What are the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy in cats?
The symptoms caused by dilated cardiomyopathy in cats is related to the decreased blood flow in the body….Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Cats
- No interest in food.
- Lethargy.
- Distended belly.
- Pain.
- Sudden paralysis.
- Intolerance to exercise.
- Coughing.
- Shortness of breath.
What is the healthiest food for cats?
Here are our top picks of the healthiest cat food for pet parents on a budget.
- Weruva Paw Lickin' Chicken Formula. …
- Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food (Salmon) …
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Canned Pâté (Chicken) …
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Kibble Recipe (Chicken) …
- American Journey Dry Cat Food (Salmon) …
- Whole Earth Farms Dry Cat Food (Chicken)
Why do vets not like grain free cat food?
"With an all-natural and grain-free type diet they are lacking an amino acid called taurine which essentially predisposes them to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy," Billmaier said.
Can DCM be reversed 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.