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Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Feline Cardiomyopathies (view source)
Revision as of 21:59, 2 December 2012
, 21:59, 2 December 2012→Pathophysiology
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Reduced myocardial contractility, predominantly involving the left ventricle (LV), will result in reduced stroke volume and increased ventricular filling pressure.
Reduced myocardial contractility, predominantly involving the left ventricle (LV), will result in reduced stroke volume and increased ventricular filling pressure.
===Taurine Deficiency===
In 1987, a reversible form of myocardial failure associated with low plasma taurine levels was identified in cats. Taurine is an essential amino acid in cats. Taurine is found at the highest levels in the body within the myocardium and retina. Taurine is important in modulating cardiac contractility, metabolic and osmotic regulation of the myocardium, membrane stabilisation of retinal photoreceptors and neuroinhibitory actions within the central nervous system. Chronic dietary taurine deficiency (months) can lead to central retinal degeneration and DCM.
==Clinical Signs==
==Clinical Signs==
===Signalment===
===Signalment===