Prevention of Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

Many heart diseases of dogs and cats are genetically based and there may not be preventative steps available.

Know if your pet is an “at risk” breed:

Some specific breed associations with diseases are:

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Maine Coon cats, Persian cats, American Shorthair cats, British Shorthair cats, Ragdoll cats and other purebred cats). Despite these breed associations, HCM is commonly seen in mixed breed cats as well.

2. Dilated cardiomyopathy (Doberman Pinschers, American Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Irish Wolfhounds, large breed dogs in general).

3. Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration and regurgitation (older small breed dogs).

4. Pericardial effusion (large breed dogs, especially Golden Retrievers). 

5. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (Boxers).

6. Sick Sinus Syndrome (Miniature Schnauzers).

7. Subaortic stenosis (Newfoundlands, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers).

There are many breed associations with the various congenital defects that are not listed here.

Regular examinations by your primary care veterinarian: Early detection of heart disease (before symptoms occur) can be aided by regular veterinary examinations. Detection of a heart murmur or arrhythmia by your veterinarian may prompt a cardiac examination.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has a cardiac registry whereby breeders can have their dogs examined and certified by a veterinary cardiologist as free from congenital or developmental defects. This registry was set up to decrease the incidence of congenital heart disease and certification of the parents of a litter is one step that breeders can take to decrease the chance that puppies might have a heart defect.

Genetic screening is available for one mutation known to be associated with HCM in Maine coon cats. This is a blood or saliva test that can tell an owner whether their Maine coon cat has the genetic mutation that can result in HCM in the future. For information on, and to order a kit for genetic testing for HCM for Maine coon cats, visit Washington State University’s Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Lab.

We recommend feeding a high quality commercial diet to your pets. Homemade or vegetarian diets can be deficient in the amino acid taurine and can result in dilated cardiomyopathy in cats.