HCM Heart Screening Results
/Due to COVID, it took ~8 month wait to see Dr. Riepe DVM (Cardiology) for echocardiograms. I am thrilled to share that Nikita (2nd), Marilyn (1st screen) and Lydia (1st screening) have all tested clear! Dr. Riepe said all of their hearts look excellent. Speaking to her assistants, there is, again, an 8 month+ wait for my next appointment with the boys.
What is HCM?
“Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disease, affecting up to 15% of all cats. HCM causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the left ventricle in the absence of a known cause, such as high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid. HCM is caused by genetic mutations in Maine coon and Ragdoll cats, and genetic causes may also be present in other cats. In HCM, the heart muscle is predisposed to abnormal relaxation and contraction. These abnormalities can lead to atrial enlargement, congestive heart failure (CHF, fluid in the lungs), fainting, and blood clots.”
