Developing a Screening Test for Heart Disease in Cats

Cardiomyopathy, a common heart disease in cats, often goes undiagnosed until a cat develops heart failure or blood clots, at which point the disease is usually difficult to treat. Current methods of detection aren't reliable, so it can be difficult to determine when a cat is at risk. Researchers will develop and test a simple screening method that veterinarians could use in their clinics to determine whether a cat has heart disease and whether it should receive a more in-depth evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist. Early identification of cardiac disease will benefit cats and their owners and may lead to better therapeutic approaches.