Cardiomyopathy is an alteration in the function of the heart muscle. It can occur for several reasons in cats and it can take several forms. When the muscle is sufficiently affected that it can not function properly, heart failure occurs.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is now the more common form of this condition in cats. It can occur for several reasons, including hyperthyroidism, toxins, infections and genetic influences. In this disorder, the heart muscle loses elasticity and becomes thicker, making it hard for the heart to function properly.
Congestive Heart Failure can occur when the volume of blood to the right side of the heart is greater than the heart's capacity to move it along and fluid builds up in chest or lung cavity.
A heart murmur occurs when there is turbulence to the normal flow of blood through the chambers of the heart, and is usually due to a problem in a heart valve. When a valve is thickened or damaged and unable to close fully, some of the blood escapes around the valve.
Murmurs are usually seen in older cats but it is not uncommon to see them in a young kitties. In fact, many kittens are born with murmurs and outgrow them later in life. A lot of cats with murmurs live long healthy lives. There is a small risk that murmurs can lead to congestive heart failure.
I have a very safe and reliable herbal treatment which works directly to tune up an under functioning heart and I have used it successfully with my human patients for 20 years. Mostly these patients report an immediate improvement in angina pain and ability to exercise. It works just the same for cats and dogs.
The mixture consists of an extract of a particular Cactus in combination with an extract of fresh Hawthorn leaves, the mix also includes Horsetail, Comfrey, Saw Palmetto and Mugwort along with the Bach Flowers Oak and Rescue Remedy.
Together, these herbs work to regularise and strengthen the electric signals to the heart (the beat) and to nourish and strengthen the heart muscle itself.
You may test whether a murmur is a result of deterioration by using this mix and you may put your older cat on it long term if there are signs that their heart is weakening.
Start off on 2 drops to accustom your cat to the taste as they are fussy eaters. Mix into a smelly food like sardines or condensed milk. Then slowly build up the dose to 5 drops twice daily.