Feline Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. This presentation will review HCM, its prevalence, risk factors, signs, and breed predispositions. We will take an in-depth look at the role of nutrition as part of effective multimodal management of HCM, examining specific nutrients which aid in improving the quality of life for cats with HCM Effective treatment requires a multifaceted approach, of which therapeutic nutrition is an important component. We will take an in-depth look at foods formulated for cats with cardiovascular disease and the specific nutrients that may help manage hypertension, decrease fluid retention, maintain heart muscle function, and help slow the progression of concurrent disease processes. RACE approval is pending.

Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition) is a licensed veterinary technician with a master’s degree in physiology and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She began her career in human medicine working as an emergency psychologist and as a poison specialist dealing with human and animal poisonings.

Kara is the Founder and Past President of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians. She teaches nutrition courses around the world. Kara is an independent nutritional and well-being consultant, the Director of Veterinary Nurse Development for Wellhaven Pet Health, and is the Editor in Chief of Today’s Veterinary Nurse. She has authored many articles, textbooks, and textbook chapters and is an internationally invited speaker, focusing on topics of nutrition, leadership, and technician utilization.