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Move to new side of building

We are excited to announce that Phase 1 of construction will be completed in early March. We will start seeing patients on that side of the clinic the week of March 4th. Monday, March 4th will be a moving day. If you have a scheduled appointment on March 4th you will enter the clinic through our normal front doors. We will have reduced appointments on that day. We will be exclusively in Phase 1 from March through June while the remainder of the clinic undergoes a full renovation.

Here are some changes that will occur from March to June:

• We will be implementing curbside for all appointments and medication or food pick-up. Please call from the parking lot to check in and we will call when a room is ready for you to enter.

• You will enter through a new front entrance into a small makeshift reception area and a staff member will meet you to usher you into an exam room

• Our surgical appointments will be limited for those 3 months. We will still be able to do surgery but have a limited number of cages and recovery areas. Surgical drop-off and pick-up will also be curbside.

• If you purchase food from the clinic, please plan as we will be carrying a reduced volume of food due to lack of storage. You can also visit our online pharmacy and order your food from our online store https://springhillvet.vetsfirstchoice.com/.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Home » Interactive Animal » Canine » Circulatory » Heart » Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy describes an abnormality of the heart muscle; hypertrophic refers to a thickening of the heart muscle. Causes of HCM include primary causes, such as genetics, and secondary causes, such as hyperthyroidism and hypertension. Primary HCM occurs more frequently in young male cats and in certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon. Secondary HCM tends to occur in older cats. Cats with HCM may not show overt signs in the initial stages of the condition. Cats with heart disease may have intermittent vomiting, changes in their breathing pattern, poor appetite, and behavior changes. Unfortunately, some cats receive the diagnosis after acute, unexpected death. Diagnosis of HCM is based on physical examination findings (e.g.: heart murmur or abnormal rhythm), chest x-rays, and ultimately with an ultrasound of the heart. As this insidious disease progresses, the heart muscle thickens and becomes stiff impeding blood flow through the heart. Heart failure may ensue if left untreated. A thickened, failing heart may cause blood to stagnate within the heart chambers and form clots. These blood clots shower to the body (thromboembolism) when the heart pumps; the clots often lodge in one of the back legs, leading to paralysis and pain. Treatment of HCM involves specific therapy for any secondary disease, treating arrhythmias, and therapy for heart failure if present.