Heart Disease in Cats, can be hard to detect, but if you are a cat owner, you know your cat better than anyone!

Most veterinarians divide cardiomyopathy in cats into three types:

 1.  Dilated Cardiomyopathy, the walls of the pet's heart balloon out, causing an enlarged, rounded, thin-walled weakened heart.

  2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the heart retains it classic shape but the walls of the heart thicken, reducing this muscle’s ability to pump blood.

  3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. In this form, scarring of the heart muscles prevent normal pumping action. The signs of all three forms in cats are similar and are ultimately due to a lack of oxygen supply to cells throughout the pet's body.

Causes of Cardiomyopathy in your cat!

Cardiomyopathy was a relatively common disease in cats fed generic cat foods or dog food. These foods were sometimes deficient in an essential amino acid for cats, taurine. A deficiency in this amino acid was discovered to be the cause of heart failure.  As well as in humans and dogs Taurine is very vital in the chain of amino acid for proper heart function.    

Another known association with cardiomyopathy in cats is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is quite common in older cats and becoming more so, as they age.  In this disease, the pet’s metabolic rate increases due to over-secretion of the thyroid hormone,thyroxine. The number of cases hyperthyroidism in cats has increased significantly in the last 25 years. 

When a cat's thyroid is overactive, the pet's blood pressure and the workload on its heart muscle increase. This in turn will cause cardiac enlargement or heart muscle thickening.

Some suspect that prior viral infections, genetics or the lack of antioxidants may predispose the pet to heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy seems to be an inherited disease in Maine Coon and American Shorthair cats. It appears to also be more common in Persians cats than ordinary domestic shorthair cats. More male than female cats develop the disease.

What Symptoms Might I See In My Cat ?

Although dogs and humans often develop a moist cough when the heart looses its efficiency, cats rarely cough with this disease. Instead, they are often brought to veterinarians due to listlessness, rapid labored respiration, poor appetite and loss of body condition. At first glance these cats may look plump. But they are bony over their back and loins and what appears to be a plump tummy is actually an enlarged liver with fluid accumulation in the abdomen These signs signify that the disease is already quite advanced.

The sluggish flow of blood through damaged hearts commonly results in another serious problem, the formation of blood clots blocking major arteries.  If touched the femoral pulse within the rear legs is weak or absent and the limbs are cold to the touch. Although the clots usually dissolve slowly and limb function returns the underlying heart problem remains.

 Hypertrophic form of cardiomyopathy often results in increased blood pressure or hypertension  Smaller blood vessels may burst under increased pressure particularly vessels within the retina of the eye. This can lead to retinal detachment and sudden blindness. To reduce the blood pressure as in humans and dogs anti-hypertensive drugs will be used. A number of agents called calcium channel blockers are available for treatment of hypertension and cardiac failure although many of these are not specifically licensed for cats. Examples of two drugs commonly used are benazepril (Fortekor®, Lotensin) and amlodipine ( Istin®, NORVASC).

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose Cardiomyopathy 

 A combination of signs discussed can lead us to suspect cardiomyopathy in your cat. Cats suffering from this disease are usually over the age of five. A firm diagnosis requires at

a minimum a chest X-ray, echocardiography or ultrasound image of the heart. An EKG (electrocardiogram) can also be diagnostic. An elevated free T-4 level will diagnose the presence of hyperthyroidism - a common finding in older cats with heart problems.

What Treatments Are Available For My Cat 

Treatment is first directed at correcting any underlying cause that may be responsible for the disease. Hyperthyroid cats need to have their thyroid condition alleviated with medication.  

Where no underlying cause is found, treatment for your cat maybe a class of medications called ACE inhibitors these improve cardiac function and diuretics will be used as in humans and dogs to remove pooled fluids Recommended of course low salt diets will always be helpful. 

Always consult with your vet, when noticing the above symptoms.  Heart Disease develops rapidly in cats, and unfortunately cats do not have the survival rate as dogs or humans.

Be mindful of your cat's behavior and when in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 
reference:: petmd.com
2ndchance.info/heart

                    

HAVE A HEART! Early diagnosis and treatment of Heart Disease can make all the difference in the world. As a pet owner myself, I needed to be aware of the signs of this deadly disease..

Coughing is a very common symptom of many illnesses, one of those being heart disease. Minor coughs will not last more than a few days. If the cough continues and lasts for more than a week, always consult with veterinarian. As in humans, difficulty breathing, labored breathing and shortness of breath, is another symptom to look into, specially when running, playing, even walks will can cause shortness of breath.

Noticing behavioral changes in your dog, not wanting to exercise, not accepting affection as rapidly as they did before, just being withdrawn are other symptoms that possibly your pet may have heart disease. 

Poor appetite, is always a symptom of something, and accompanied by the other symptoms, consultation with your vet, maybe necessary.

Weight loss, as well as weight gain is definitely a symptom of heart disease.  Many dogs will gain, and you will notice distention of their abdomen, much like a potbellied look.

Fainting or just collapses for no apparent reason, weak upon getting up, are signs of many illnesses in your pet.  Heart Disease is one of many! 

Edema, in the chest and abdomen area, and swelling of their extremities there is a very good chance of heart diseas 

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the type of heart disease that does lead to CHF or commonly known as congestive heart failure .It is rather common for a dog’s failing heart to enlarge and no longer pump sufficient blood throughout the body

 Primarily large breeds of dogs. Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever, Deerhounds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes and Golden Retrievers are some of the breeds that suffer from this condition. Occasionally, Cocker Spaniels and other smaller breeds will develop the condition. Consult your veterinarian, as an EKG maybe warranted, and usually an abnormal rhythm will be detected.

Be mindful of the warning signs, as your pet will be counting on you to take the steps necessary for their wellness.
2ndchance.info/heart
petmd.com

YOUR ARE THEIR GUARDIAN!

                                 

Humane Society International to shut down another dog meat farm. This is a never ending battle and hopefully, as we continue to voice our outrage in the inhumane slaughter of these dogs, Humane Society International will continues to visit these farms in other countries. They will educate the farmers, their families and children. Helping to stop the slaughter of defenseless dogs and shut the dog meat farms. They continue to help these farmers transition to better lives and new farming practices.

“I walked up to the cages and pressed my hands against the wires. The dogs threw themselves against the front of their cages just to be touched, just to lick your hand. They were so desperate for any human kindness… more starved for affection than food." -        Kitty Block, Vice President, Humane Society International  Kitty, has seen a lot of cruelty, but she was overwhelmed by the inhumane conditions on the dog meat farm that HSI helped to shut down last month. Follow along through this heartrending video as she tours the property, the dogs barking frantically as she approaches each cage. It’s no wonder why the visit and presence of Kitty, produced such a mix of emotions. Such sadness at the suffering of helpless animals; anger at the callousness of humans. Extreme joy that these dogs would soon have a second chance at life; and the determination to shut down completely this terrible industry. Many of us have dedicated a portion of our lives to rescue, save and protect. We have become a voice not to be reckoned with and I have no doubt that we all share her feelings in this matter. Watch Kitty promise the dogs that better days are coming and read a Q&A about what she was thinking when she met the farmer -- and the comfort she got from one little puppy. Please all of us we need to continue to stand with Humane Society International. Help them, sign their petitions, donate what we can afford.  Together, we can end these horrific dog meat farms. Let's get on with our business to                   SAVE AND PROTECT ALL ANIMALS EVERYWHERE

Urgent update from Defenders of Wildlife! Our Gray Wolves out of Wyoming are in danger of Slaughter!!!!!!!!!! Again Defenders of Wildlife are in our court system, defending their rights of survival. Can we stand with them!!!!!!

                       Wyoming's wolves are in the 

                    CROSSHAIRS OF  FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was only a year ago that Defenders of Wildlife won the protection for Wyoming's wolves after two long years in court.

But now, wolf-hating politicians are jamming a measure through the Federal appropriations process that would strip Wyoming's gray wolves of protection under the Endangered Species Act. This would inevitably open the way for a fresh round of killing.

As you know, the federal government turned wolf management over to Wyoming in 2012. In less than two years, more than 200 wolves were slaughtered across the state.

Under Wyoming's brand of "wolf management," most of the state was designated a "predator zone," literally a free-fire zone where anyone could kill any wolf at any time and for any reason.

Among the early victims of Wyoming's killing spree was a magnificent collared Yellowstone wolf known only as "06." The matriarch of the Lamar Canyon pack, 06 drew wolf-watchers from around the world. Her death just a few miles outside the Yellowstone National Park boundary was a tragic loss for science, for wolf tourism, and for her pack.

If anti-wolf members of Congress win, this is the sort of horror we could be going back to.

Thanks to a lawsuit brought by Defenders and our allies, a federal court ordered Wyoming's wolves back on the endangered species list in 2014. Now some in Congress are looking to undo that decision.

Anti-wildlife extremists are pouring millions into this kind of bold Congressional attack on the wildlife we love. And if they win, wolves will die.

Defenders of Wildlife was there 20 years ago and they are their now!!!!!!!!!!! 

They have protected the welfare of the Wolf every time, we must be a voice not to be Reckon with, please if you wish to donate just a little even a $l.00 or $5.00 from every person who cares about our heritage and what an important part WOLVES play in our ecosystem, please Please donate today.

Wolves are clinging  to survival in the vast forests and valleys of Wyoming. If these anti-wolf members of Congress have their way, the killing could start as soon as December.

Mahalo, for all you do

Lets send Chicken of the Sea a 48 ft. Message!!! Stop the slaughter of our marine life!

Aloha,

Just about 2 weeks ago I posted a petition regarding Chicken of the Sea telling them to end the abuse of tuna industry workers and create healthier oceans and 67,000 ocean supporters stepped up.  Lets do this!!

I donated to Greenpeace, to help send a message to the Tuna Industry of Chicken of Sea! 

Chicken of the Sea is ranked the most dangerous and destructive tuna industry in our nation. They are noted only for destroying seas and labor abuse for their industry workers.

Greenpeace is putting up a 48 ft billboard outside their front headquarters. This billboard will actually call on the company to address their environmental impact they have on our seas, marine life and their abuse to their industry workers throughout the chain.  They too are especially noted for destructive fishing methods that kill and injure thousands of sharks, sea turtles, and other vulnerable ocean life. 

Greenpeace is powered by our voice through petitions, and if needed through billboards like this one.

We are all part of this great chain of life, we have chosen to stand up and speak out and be the voice for all animals, marine life, endangered species, all wildlife and their environment.

                    Lets do this keep our oceans beautiful

Please help if you can, if one cannot please share with everyone. 

Give $5, or whatever you can, today to help sponsor the "Rippin' up the Sea" billboard. 

Mahalo, to everyone!! 

Subject: I just took action, will you? Greenpeace works diligently everyday to save and protect, all marine life, our oceans, our forests our whole environment from disasters, like this one mention below. Lets stand together to protect and save, please sign and share Greenpeace's petition. Mahalo

Very disturbing stories are now coming to light from the Pacific fishing industry  Many are working for low pay and some no pay.Many fishermen are now being forced to work under these conditions.


 Thai Union, has recently become embroiled in scandals and human rights abuses throughout its seafood supply chains.  they are CHICKEN OF THE SEA!!
They are one of the US, largest fisheries and they still use destructive fishing methods that needlessly kill thousands of sharks, turtles, and other ocean creatures every year. And Chicken of the Sea's parent company Thai Union, was recently linked to horrific scandals and human rights abuses throughout its seafood supply chains. I'm standing up for our oceans and workers rights! I just sent a message to Chicken of the Sea telling them to clean up its dirty tuna and ensure that the company’s tuna is truly sustainable and fresh!
. Will you join me? You can take action right here: Mahalo,  Tell the CEO to set up a policy that protects workers AND our oceans today!


Not only are they facing terrible scandals and people abuse, but overfishing, illegal shark finning, and other environmental crimes that often happen on loosely-regulated industrial fishing boats. Chicken of the Sea says it is committed to sustainability, but actions speak louder than words. Their ships are still engaging and using destructive fishing methods that needlessly kill thousands of sharks, turtles, and other ocean creatures every year.

A recent Greenpeace tour of the Pacific found their crews overworked and under-paid, barely-livable crew quarters, and even fishermen facing fines for using toilets or drinking bottled water.

As I have said before petitions work and when thousands of us make alot of big waves, our voices are heard throughout all nations. We were heard and Shell abandon their drilling in the Arctic. Petitions worked and they convinced many major seafood buyers to watch, learn and listen, like Trader Joe's, Costco and many more have decided to listen to our voice.

PETITION FOR FARM ANIMALS RAISED FOR FOOD. IF ANY OF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN ANIMALS RAISED FOR FOOD, IT IS TOTALLY AND SEVERELY ABUSIVE. I HAVE TRAVELED TO FARMS FROM CHICKENS TO HOGS, IT IS SHAMEFUL AND TEARS WILL FLOW!!! PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE, ! Just put your name on the PETITION, and remember Petitions do work!!!! Mahalo to everyone!

Dear tia/poidogsanuenue, We have a golden opportunity, right now, to significantly limit the funding of intensive animal confinement farming systems globally. All we need to do ischange one sentence in a document currently under review with the World Bank Group. The impact of this will be profound, helping to reduce the suffering of billions of animals worldwide. You can help make this possible by taking action today » The World Bank Group, which sets the standard for sustainability and social responsibility globally, is in the process of reviewing its safeguard policies. The current language regarding animal welfare is substandard and outdated—it does not reflect the views of people like you who believe that intensive confinement of farm animals is cruel. Simply updating the sentence pertaining to animal welfare in the policy could reduce the suffering of billions of animals by improving their living conditions. A range of intensive confinement practices would no longer be permissible. This would also mean easier access for consumers around the world to more humanely-raised animal products. This is achievable. Join us today and encourage the World Bank to update their safeguard policies to reflect their existing guidance document on animal welfare. Let’s improve the lives of billions of farm animals worldwide.Over 77 billion land animals are raised for food around the world each year. Many of them live in barren, crowded, factory-like conditions, experiencing intense suffering as they are unable to move freely or engage in natural behaviors due to extreme confinement. Each one of these animals is capable of experiencing pain, affection, frustration and many other emotions. You could help improve the lives of billions of farm animals worldwide by taking action today » If the World Bank Group were to adopt this language stating that farm animal production facilities and programs of all sizes must comply with the existing guidance document on animal welfare, it would set a higher standard for farm animal welfare across the globe. Please use your voice today to ensure that the World Bank's policies include meaningful animal welfare standards. Send a clear message to The World Bank Group today! Thank you for all that you do for animals. Sincerely, Chetana Mirle Director, Farm Animal Welfare Humane Society International