Tachycardia on cats is simply a condition when the cats are having rapid heart rate. The average heart rate of cat ranges from 140 to 220 beat per minute (bpm). When a cat has a heart rate greater than 220 bpm, then the cat might have tachycardia. Also get to know some heart and blood vessel disorders in cats.
For a short
period of time, rapid heart rate or tachycardia might be normal, but if it
continues to longer period of time, then you should start being worried about
that. Rapid heart rate for a long period of time might lead to heart muscle
failure and congestive heart failure.
Causes of Tachycardia on Cats
There are several causes of tachycardia on cats, both physiologic, pathologic and some risk factors. All the causes are classified as follows:
1. Physiologic
2. Pathologic
- Fever.
- Shock.
- Fluid in the chest.
- Chronic lung disease.
- Low blood pressure.
- Reduced blood volume.
- Cancer.
- Tumor.
- Low oxygen level.
- Infection.
- Anemia.
- Dehydration, if your cat is having dehydration, make sure you are aware of the other signs of dehydration in cats.
Risk Factors
- Pregnancy.
- Thyroid medications.
- Primary cardiac disease.
- Inflammation.
As stated before, if the rapid heart rate doesn’t last for a long time,
then it might be normal. Some conditions, such as fright, excitement and anger
might lead to rapid heart rate as well. But, it does not last long. Your cat
might get tachycardia if it gets the rapid heart rate for a long period of
time.
Symptoms of Tachycardia on Cats
A cat who is getting tachycardia might not have noticeable symptoms as cats with tachycardia mostly don’t have present symptoms. Rapid heart rate is a symptom itself, and it is not a disease.
Congestive heart failure is the common cause of tachycardia in cats. However, in some cases, some symptoms might appear as follows:
- Coughing.
- Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).
- Cyanosis (discoloration of the mucous membranes).
- Heart murmur.
- Weak pulse.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Overall weakness.
- Fainting.
If you notice any of these symptoms appearing, then you should contact the vet immediately. Rapid heart rate might lead to serious conditions, and if it is not treated well, it might lead to death as well.
Rapid breathing is also one of the symptoms of tachycardia in cats. Find out the other causes of rapid breathing in cats.
Diagnosis of Tachycardia on Cats
If your cat is suspected to have tachycardia, the vet might conduct some examinations to find out the causes. The diagnosis of rapid heart rate or tachycardia might be as simple as listening to the heart by using a stethoscope.
The vet will also look at your cat’s medical record, current medications and past medical problems. There will be some tests the vet will conduct, such as an ECG and radiography (x-ray).
ECG, an electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that is using sensory
attachment. This test aims at detecting the electric impulses produced by the
heart. It is able to detect your cat’s heart rhythm as well.
The next test is radiography or x-ray. This test is able to assess the rapid heart rate. Your vet is able to tell if your cat is having an enlarged portion of the heart.
The enlarged portion of the heart might tell us that one of the part is not working properly. Tumors can also be detected by an x-ray. Related to heart issue, cats are also possible to have heart disease. See the signs of heart disease in cats.
Treatment of Tachycardia on Cats
The treatment of tachycardia in cats depends on the causes. That’s why the vet will conduct some examination to distinguish the causes. Your cat might need to be hospitalized if the condition is unstable.
Some medications might be given to stabilize the condition of your cat. Unfortunately, there is not any treatment for tachycardia in cats by itself.
Tachycardia in cats is a serious problem, and you must not be willing to have this condition again. If your cat is once diagnosed with tachycardia, then you must restrict your cat’s activity.
Make sure your cat is not too exposed to physical activities. You can start walking your cats outside, starting from a short period of time. You will be surprised that there are lots of benefits of walking your cats outside. Both of you can have fun!
Tachycardia in cats is not a simple condition, if it is left untreated, it might lead to death. Keep your cat healthy by maintaining physical activities and paying attention to the nutrients it needs.
If you want to have an idea about what nutrients are needed, you can see essential nutrients your pets should have. Who doesn’t want to have healthy and happy pet at home?