Cats are “masters of disguise” when it comes to pain and discomfort. So, cat owners must be vigilant to the slightest shifts in behaviour that could indicate health issues, from minor gastrointestinal discomfort to significant cardiac conditions. Dr Jeremy commented: “It is surprisingly common to have cats present to the clinic in heart failure that have appeared completely normal to their owners right up to the day or even night before the failure occurs.”
Oliver, a six-year-old British Shorthair, presented to the The London Cat Clinic for his routine six-month health assessment where a new Grade II (out of VI) heart 'murmur' was detected by the vet team.
Dr Campbell explained: “A murmur indicates turbulent blood flow in one of the chambers of the heart and should be investigated to determine if this is 'innocent' or pathological with the use of advanced diagnostics including cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) which was the case with Oliver.
“The investigations found Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a common condition where the blood flow out of the heart is obstructed due to left ventricular wall thickening and altered mitral valve movement. This proactive discovery allowed for the immediate development of a tailored care plan, highlighting the lifesaving power of early intervention.”
Dr Campbell underscores the necessity of ultrasound as a non-invasive diagnostic tool: "Our facility's on-site ultrasound capacity is instrumental in early diagnosis, vastly improving patient outcome. Ultrasound technology is integral to the clinic's diagnostic toolkit, " he explained. This immediate, comprehensive care under one roof reflects The London Cat Clinic's commitment to top-tier veterinary service.
As a non-invasive method, it provides a definitive view of a cat's internal health, proving essential for a full spectrum of assessments, including trauma, pregnancy, and various disease states.
Extending beyond its ultrasonography services, The London Cat Clinic's services include specialised care in dentistry, ophthalmology, and internal medicine, all essential components of the clinic's ‘Feline Fine Healthcare Plan’. This holistic plan is indicative of the clinic's commitment to upholding the health and wellbeing of its feline patients through proactive and preventive strategies.
Incorporating this technology into a broad spectrum of specialised services, The London Cat Clinic ensures a preventative approach through its Feline Fine Healthcare Plan (https://www.thelondoncatclinic.co.uk/health-plans), demonstrating its unwavering dedication to feline health.
For more information on the in-house ultrasound service and other preventive healthcare options available at The London Cat Clinic, please visit: https://www.thelondoncatclinic.co.uk/