Historically, it was linked to a dietary deficiency in taurine, which has been corrected by most cat food manufacturers. DCM is characterized by a poorly contracting dilated left ventricle and oftentimes enlarged atria. Cats with DCM usually progress to congestive heart failure.
How long can a cat live with dilated cardiomyopathy?
They can also die without warning. Cats with severe disease generally have a poor prognosis. These cats usually don't live longer than six months after diagnosis.
How do you prevent DCM in cats?
Your Pet's Diet Cooperation between veterinary cardiologists, nutritionists, and the USFDA has confirmed that the increase in canine and feline DCM is linked to grain-free diets. The dogs and cats affected are often being fed boutique diets that contain exotic meats and are grain-free.
Which is the most common cause of cardiac disease in cats?
The most common type of adult onset disease in the cat is cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle. The exact cause of most types of adult onset heart disease is unknown, although genetics and lifestyle (weight, physical activity, and diet) may play an important role.
Do cats get DCM from grain-free food?
posted: May 23, 2019. Well-intentioned pet owners who've been feeding their cats a grain-free diet — thinking that what's beneficial for humans is good for cats — have discovered that it can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition otherwise known as DCM.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Do cats need to be on a grain free diet?Does grain free food cause problems in cats?
