Diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy in your cat will begin with a thorough physical exam by your veterinarian. During this initial visit, you should supply your vet a complete list of symptoms including any worsening or improvement, the approximate time of onset, and whether they are consistent or intermittent. You should also let your vet know if your cat is currently suffering from thyroid disease or may have been involved in a serious injury or has suffered a known heart attack.
Your vet will attempt to rule out other conditions during your visit. They may take blood and urine samples to be sent out for a complete blood panel which will help identify any infection or excess proteins in the blood or urine. They will also listen to your cat’s heart carefully to determine whether it is making the appropriate sounds and is functioning with a regular beat.
Next, your vet will carefully examine the workings of the heart through various tests and imaging. An electrocardiogram measures the electric conductivity of your cat’s heart. This test is non-invasive but may require your cat to be shaved in areas. This is due to the fact that small monitors must be affixed to your cat and be in contact with the skin with good conductivity. Long, dense fur will often prevent accurate signals. Your cat can be awake for this procedure and must remain calm and quiet while standing or laying on their side. Your vet may also order an ultrasound and x-ray of the heart and chest cavity. These images will allow your vet to identify the presence of scar tissue or any other defect of the heart. These three tests together are the definitive diagnostic tools to properly identify restrictive cardiomyopathy.