Heart Murmur

Hi everybody! My friend just told me that her older (not sure of exact age, but getting up there) female cat, Phoebe, was diagnosed with a heart murmur. The vet told her that it isn't a huge threat right now, but he wants to monitor her every six months or so, due to her age. He told her that it could lead to heart disease. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there anything extra she can do to help keep Phoebe healthy?

Thanks!

It depends on the cause of the heart murmur. There are some medications that help with specific types of heart murmurs. Also, if the heart murmur is the result of another condition, like hyperthyroidism, then treating the underlying cause may slow the progression of heart disease.

http://www.portlandvetspecialists.co...tdisease4.html
http://www.felinexpress.com/cat-heal...rt-murmurs.asp
http://www.lbah.com/murmur1.htm

Thanks for the links; I'll pass them on!

The vet may also want to do an ECG. This will determine the degree of the heart murmur. They range 1-6 with 1 being minor to 6 being the worst. Once they have determined this, the vet may referr the kitty to a cardiac specialist.


Tedi was diagnosed with a heart murmur last year. He is a 15 year old persian and I read that male persians as they get older are prone to developing a heart murmur. Right now he is on a quarter tablet of atenolol. So there could be many reasons why your friend's cat has one. Finding out what caused it is the first step.

Let us know if you find anything else out.