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Congestive heart failure in cats is a serious condition that requires veterinary care. If your cat has congestive heart failure, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Here are 12 signs that will help you decide if the time has come for action:
excessive panting, gasping for air or trouble breathing
neck swollen like a “wasp’s waist”
lungs congested and sound wet when you listen to them with a stethoscope
circulation is limited due to fluid in the chest cavity (pulmonary edema) which causes shortness of breath, coughing and rapid heartbeat. This can lead to shock as blood pressure drops dangerously low
muscle weakness caused by poor circulation results in an inability to jump on furniture or climb stairs unless they are very gradual steps; increased time spent sleeping because cats cannot get enough oxygen into their systems without some help from medications that force air into lungs through inhalation chambers. Other symptoms of congestive heart failure in cats are weight loss, increased appetite and vomiting
signs: they might be panting; their neck may look swollen like a wasp’s waist. You can see the chest moving up and down when you listen with an instrument called a stethoscope; there will often be coughing or vomit. The cat might not want to move around as much because it is difficult for them to breathe too well this is especially true if fluids have built up in their lungs (called pulmonary edema) due to decreased blood flow from the heart that restricts lung function
symptoms of congestive heart failure include weight loss, excessive thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), lower back pain, and breathing difficulties.
The best way to find out if your cat has congestive heart failure is through a series of tests that include x-rays, blood work, urine analysis, chest ultrasound (echocardiography), and/or echocardiogram
Sometimes the diagnosis can be made by performing an electrocardiogram or taking a radiograph because this might show signs of cardiomegaly; left ventricular hypertrophy on cardiac examination may also indicate congestive heart failure in cats
treatment options for CHF are limited but some medical treatments would help alleviate symptoms associated with congestive heart failure including: diuretics which remove excess fluid from your body’s tissues and may help reduce blood pressure, ACE inhibitors which are drugs that decrease the production of certain hormones in your body’s arteries and veins.
Unfortunately CHF is a terminal condition for cats but there are some treatments you can try to make life with congestive heart failure more comfortable
If you’ve tried everything and think it’s time to euthanize your cat then talk about this decision with someone who understands what you’re going through before deciding; if all else fails – contact an animal shelter or humane society and they will be able to guide you on how best to proceed.
