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Ever wondered about the invisible complexities of a cat's heart? Discover the fascinating world of feline sinus arrest and sinoatrial block. Delve into the mysteries of these heart conditions and learn what they mean for our beloved companions. It's a startling reminder of the elegance and fragility embedded in every purr.
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_sinus_arrest_sinoatrial_block
#FelineHeartMysteries #CatHealthInsights #CuriousCats
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_sinus_arrest_sinoatrial_block
#FelineHeartMysteries #CatHealthInsights #CuriousCats
Ever wondered about the invisible complexities of a cat's heart? Discover the fascinating world of feline sinus arrest and sinoatrial block. Delve into the mysteries of these heart conditions and learn what they mean for our beloved companions. It's a startling reminder of the elegance and fragility embedded in every purr.
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_sinus_arrest_sinoatrial_block
#FelineHeartMysteries #CatHealthInsights #CuriousCats
,%20also%20called%20the%20sinus%20node,%20is%20the%20initiator%20of%20electrical%20impulses%20within%20the%20heart,%20triggering%20the%20heart%20to%20beat,%20or%20contract,%20by%20firing%20off%20electrical%20surges.%20Sinus%20arrest%20is%20a%20disorder%20of%20heart%20beat%20impulse%20formation%20caused%20by%20a%20slowing%20down%20or%20cessation%20of%20spontaneous%20sinus%20nodal%20automaticity%20%5Cu2013%20the%20automatic%20behavior%20of%20the%20tissues%20that%20set%20the%20pace%20for%20the%20heart's%20rhythm.%20It%20is%20the%20failure%20of%20the%20sinoatrial%20(SA)%20node%20to%20initiate%20an%20impulse%20at%20the%20expected%20time%20that%20leads%20to%20sinus%20arrest.%20Persistent%20sinus%20arrest%20that%20is%20not%20due%20to%20the%20use%20of%20a%20drug%20is%20often%20indicative%20of%20sick%20sinus%20syndrome%20(SSS)%20-%20a%20disorder%20of%20the%20heart%5Cu2019s%20electrical%20impulse%20formation%20within%20the%20sinus%20node.%20Sinoatrial%20block%20is%20a%20disorder%20of%20impulse%20conduction.%20This%20is%20when%20an%20impulse%20formed%20within%20the%20sinus%20node%20fails%20to%20be%20conducted%20through%20the%20atria%20(the%20interior%20of%20the%20heart),%20or%20when%20it%20does%20so%20with%20delay.%20Most%20commonly,%20the%20basic%20rhythm%20of%20the%20sinus%20node%20is%20not%20disturbed%20when%20the%20impulses%20fail%20to%20conduct%20properly.%20Symptoms%20and%20Types%20Usually%20asymptomatic%20(without%20symptoms)%20Weakness%20Fainting%20Pale%20gums%20Very%20slow%20heart%20rate,%20may%20be%20possible%20to%20detectSinoatrial%20block%20is%20classified%20into%20first,%20second,%20and%20third-degree%20SA%20block%20(similar%20to%20degrees%20of%20atrioventricular%20%5BAV%5D%20block).%20It%20is%20difficult%20to%20diagnose%20first%20and%20third-degree%20SA%20block%20from%20an%20electrocardiogram%20(ECG)%20reading%20only.%20Second-degree%20SA%20block%20is%20the%20most%20common%20type%20of%20SA%20block,%20and%20the%20only%20degree%20that%20can%20be%20recognized%20on%20a%20surface%20ECG.%20In%20addition,%20there%20are%20two%20types%20of%20second-degree%20SA%20blocks:%20Mobitz%20type%20I%20(also%20called%20Wenckebach%20periodicity)%20and%20Mobitz%20type%20II.%20First-degree%20sinoatrial%20block%20Slowed%20conduction%20Second-degree%20sinoatrial%20block%20Failure%20to%20conduct%20is%20intermittent%20Two%20types%20of%20second-degree%20SA%20block%20occur:%20Mobitz%20type%20I%5C/Wenckebach%20periodicity%20%5Cu2013%20speed%20of%20conduction%20slows%20gradually%20until%20failure%20of%20impulses%20to%20reach%20the%20atria%20occurs%20Mobitz%20type%20II%20%5Cu2013%20block%20is%20all,%20or%20none,%20until%20complete%20conduction%20failure%20takes%20place%20The%20two%20types%20cannot%20be%20differentiated%20on%20a%20surface%20ECG%20Third-degree%20sinoatrial%20block%20Complete%20failure%20to%20conductCauses%20Physiologic%20Vagal%20stimulation%20(i.e.,%20stimulation%20of%20the%20vagus%20nerves%20of%20the%20pharynx),%20caused%20by%20coughing,%20and%20irritation%20of%20the%20pharynx%20(back%20of%20the%20mouth%5C/beginning%20of%20throat)%20High%20pressure%20in%20the%20eye,%20or%20carotid%20artery%20sinus%20(carries%20blood%20from%20the%20heart%20to%20the%20brain)%20Surgical%20manipulation%20Pathologic%20Degenerative%20heart%20disease:%20heart%20grows%20tougher%20and%20less%20flexible%20Dilatory%20heart%20disease:%20heart%20enlarges,%20and%20fails%20Sudden%20inflammation%20of%20the%20heart%20Cancer%20of%20the%20heart%20Sick%20sinus%20syndrome%20(SSS):%20intermittent%20rapid%20and%20slow%20supraventricular%20arrhythmias%20Irritation%20of%20vagus%20nerve,%20secondary%20to%20neck%20or%20chest%20cancer%20Electrolyte%20imbalance:%20abnormal%20levels%20of%20potassium%20in%20blood%20Drug%20toxicity%20(e.g.,%20digoxin)%20Diagnosis%20Your%20veterinarian%20will%20perform%20a%20complete%20physical%20exam%20on%20your%20cat,%20with%20a%20blood%20chemical%20profile,%20a%20complete%20blood%20count,%20an%20electrolyte%20panel%20and%20a%20urinalysis.%20The%20electrolyte%20panel%20may%20show%20hyperkalemia,%20abnormal%20levels%20of%20potassium%20in%20the%20blood,%20which%20can%20lead%20to%20arrhythmias.%20You%20will%20need%20to%20give%20a%20thorough%20history%20of%20your%20cat's%20health,%20including%20a%20history%20of%20symptoms,%20and%20their%20onset.%20Thoracic%20(chest)%20x-rays%20and%5C/or%20a%20cardiac%20ultrasound%20imaging%20may%20be%20taken%20by%20your%20veterinarian%20to%20confirm%20or%20rule%20out%20heart%20disease%20and%20abnormal%20tissue%20growth%20(neoplasia).%20A%20provocative%20atropine%20response%20test%20may%20be%20done%20to%20assess%20sinus%20node%20function.%20This%20test%20uses%20the%20drug%20atropine%20to%20stimulate%20the%20firing%20action%20of%20the%20SA%20Node.%20Cats%20with%20SSS%20generally%20will%20have%20no%20response,%20or%20will%20have%20an%20incomplete%20response%20to%20the%20atropine.%20Treatment%20Most%20patients%20will%20be%20treated%20on%20an%20outpatient%20basis.%20Only%20patients%20showing%20clinical%20signs%20of%20illness%20should%20be%20hospitalized.%20Fluid%20therapy%20will%20be%20given%20to%20patients%20in%20need%20of%20it.%20Very%20ill%20patients%20that%20are%20not%20responding%20to%20medical%20therapy%20may%20require%20implantation%20of%20an%20artificial%20pacemaker,%20and%20will%20be%20hospitalized%20prior%20to%20surgery%20in%20preparation%20of%20it.%20If%20your%20pet%20becomes%20excessively%20weak,%20or%20is%20showing%20signs%20of%20losing%20consciousness,%20or%20fainting,%20it%20will%20need%20to%20have%20its%20activity%20restricted.%20Living%20and%20Management%20After%20care%20will%20be%20dependent%20on%20whether%20your%20cat%20has%20an%20underlying%20disease,%20along%20with%20the%20SA%20block.%20Your%20veterinarian%20will%20schedule%20follow-up%20appointments%20as%20necessary,%20and%20an%20ECG%20reading%20will%20be%20done%20at%20each%20visit%20to%20follow%20your%20cat's%20progress.%20If%20your%20cat%20becomes%20weak,%20or%20loses%20consciousness,%20contact%20your%20veterinarian%20immediately%20for%20advisement.%22%7D){kind=logo}
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%20in%20Cats%22,%22inLanguage%22:%22en-US%22,%22isFamilyFriendly%22:%22True%22,%22articleSection%22:%22Cardiovascular%22,%22thumbnailUrl%22:%22%22,%22image%22:%7B%22@type%22:%22ImageObject%22,%22url%22:%22%22%7D,%22author%22:%7B%22@type%22:%22Person%22,%22name%22:%22PetMD%20Editorial%22,%22url%22:%22https:%5C/%5C/www.petmd.com%5C/author%5C/vheuer%22%7D,%22keywords%22:%22Cat,%20Condition,%20Cardiac%20health%22,%22publisher%22:%7B%22@type%22:%22Organization%22,%22name%22:%22PetMD%22,%22logo%22:%7B%22@type%22:%22ImageObject%22,%22url%22:%22https:%5C/%5C/www.petmd.com%5C/images%5C/petmd_logo.png%22%7D,%22url%22:%22https:%5C/%5C/www.petmd.com%22%7D,%22mainEntityOfPage%22:%7B%22@type%22:%22WebPage%22,%22@id%22:%22https:%5C/%5C/www.petmd.com%5C/cat%5C/conditions%5C/cardiovascular%5C/c_ct_atrial_fibrillation_atrial_flutter%22%7D,%22datePublished%22:%222009-06-08T11:17:28-04:00%22,%22dateModified%22:%222022-08-24T14:46:11-04:00%22,%22description%22:%22In%20both%20atrial%20fibrillation%20and%20atrial%20flutter%20this%20rhythm%20is%20disturbed%20and%20synchronization%20is%20lost%20between%20the%20atria%20and%20ventricles.%22,%22articleBody%22:%22Atrial%20Fibrillation%20and%20Atrial%20Flutter%20in%20Cats%20There%20are%20four%20chambers%20in%20the%20heart.%20The%20two%20top%20chambers%20are%20called%20the%20atria%20(single:%20atrium)%20whereas%20the%20bottom%20chambers%20are%20called%20the%20ventricles.%20Valves%20are%20provided%20between%20each%20atrial%20and%20ventricular%20pair,%20each%20on%20the%20left%20and%20right%20side.%20The%20valve%20between%20the%20right%20atrium%20and%20right%20ventricle%20is%20called%20the%20tricuspid%20valve,%20where%20the%20valve%20between%20the%20left%20atrium%20and%20left%20ventricle%20is%20called%20the%20mitral%20valve.%20The%20heart%20works%20with%20exceptional%20synchronization%20between%20the%20various%20atrial%20and%20ventricular%20structures,%20resulting%20in%20a%20consistent%20rhythmic%20pattern.%20In%20both%20atrial%20fibrillation%20and%20atrial%20flutter%20this%20rhythm%20is%20disturbed%20and%20synchronization%20is%20lost%20between%20the%20atria%20and%20ventricles.%20Both%20conditions%20refer%20to%20a%20rhythm%20problem%20that%20originates%20in%20the%20upper%20chambers%20of%20the%20heart,%20that%20is,%20the%20atria.%20Atrial%20flutter%20is%20often%20a%20precursor%20to%20atrial%20fibrillation.%20In%20atrial%20flutter%20there%20is%20a%20premature%20electrical%20impulse%20that%20arises%20in%20the%20atria,%20resulting%20in%20a%20faster%20than%20normal%20heart%20rate,%20either%20regular%20or%20irregular%20in%20frequency,%20whereas%20in%20atrial%20fibrillation%20there%20is%20quivering%20type%20of%20contraction%20of%20the%20heart%20muscles,%20resulting%20in%20a%20rapid%20and%20abnormally%20paced%20heart%20rhythm,%20also%20referred%20to%20as%20arrhythmia.%20In%20atrial%20fibrillation%20the%20atria%20beat%20chaotically,%20resulting%20in%20irregular%20rhythms%20of%20the%20ventricle%20as%20well.%20On%20an%20electrocardiogram%20(ECG),%20which%20measures%20the%20electrical%20activity%20of%20the%20heart,%20a%20distinct%20pattern%20can%20be%20differentiated%20in%20atrial%20fibrillation%20and%20atrial%20flutter.%20Older%20male%20cats%20have%20been%20found%20to%20be%20more%20susceptible%20to%20this%20condition.%20Symptoms%20and%20Types%20Atrial%20fibrillation%20is%20categorized%20by%20relevance,%20including:%20Primary%20atrial%20fibrillation%20No%20underlying%20cardiac%20disease%20involved%20%5Cu2013%20cause%20not%20identified%20Secondary%20atrial%20fibrillation%20Severe%20underlying%20cardiac%20disease%20like%20CHF%20is%20usually%20involved%20Paroxysmal%20atrial%20fibrillation%20Periodic,%20recurrent%20episodes,%20which%20last%20for%20a%20short%20period%20of%20time%20(less%20than%20seven%20days),%20with%20the%20heart%20returning%20to%20its%20normal%20rhythm%20on%20its%20own%20Persistent%20atrial%20fibrillation%20Arrhythmia%20lasts%20for%20more%20than%2048%20hours,%20only%20responds%20to%20treatment%20Permanent%20atrial%20fibrillation%20Ongoing%20arrhythmia,%20cannot%20be%20treated%20The%20symptoms%20generally%20relate%20to%20an%20underlying%20disease%20like%20congestive%20heart%20failure%20(CHF).%20Following%20are%20few%20of%20the%20symptoms%20related%20to%20atrial%20fibrillation.%20Galloping%20heart%20Exercise%20intolerance%20Weakness%20Cough%20Dyspnea%20(Difficult%20breathing)%20Tachypnea%20(Rapid%20respiratory%20rate)%20Lethargy%20Syncope%5C/Loss%20of%20consciousness%20(rare)%20Causes%20Chronic%20disease%20of%20the%20heart%20involving%20the%20valves%20Enlargement%20of%20the%20heart%20Cardiomyopathy%20(heart%20muscle%20disease)%20Congenital%20heart%20disease%20Neoplasia%20Digoxin%20(drug%20commonly%20used%20to%20treat%20various%20heart%20diseases)%20toxicity%20As%20a%20sequel%20congestive%20heart%20failure%20(CHF)%20Cause%20may%20remain%20unknown%20Diagnosis%20After%20taking%20a%20detailed%20history%20of%20your%20cat%5Cu2019s%20health,%20onset%20of%20symptoms,%20and%20possible%20incidents%20that%20might%20have%20preceded%20this%20condition,%20your%20veterinarian%20will%20perform%20a%20complete%20physical%20examination.%20Laboratory%20tests%20will%20include%20complete%20blood%20tests,%20a%20biochemical%20profile,%20and%20urinalysis.%20It%20is%20possible%20that%20the%20results%20of%20these%20tests%20may%20not%20reveal%20much%20information%20related%20to%20this%20disease,%20but%20they%20may%20be%20helpful%20for%20accessing%20an%20overall%20picture%20of%20your%20cat%5Cu2019s%20health%20and%20reveal%20other%20diseases,%20if%20present.%20Additional%20diagnostic%20tools%20include%20echocardiography%20(ECG),%20X-ray%20imaging,%20and%20color%20Doppler%20to%20help%20in%20characterizing%20the%20type%20and%20severity%20of%20any%20underlying%20heart%20disease.%20Treatment%20Your%20veterinarian%20will%20first%20diagnose%20the%20level%20of%20flutter%20or%20fibrillation%20your%20cat%20is%20experiencing,%20and%20whether%20there%20is%20an%20underlying%20disease%20of%20the%20heart,%20such%20as%20CHF,%20that%20is%20responsible%20for%20the%20atrial%20arrhythmia.%20If%20the%20heart%20is%20beating%20too%20rapidly,%20your%20cat%20will%20be%20treated%20medically%20for%20the%20rhythm%20to%20be%20slowed%20down.%20If%20no%20underlying%20disease%20is%20found%20to%20be%20present,%20the%20treatment%20will%20be%20directed%20towards%20normalizing%20the%20rhythm%20of%20heart%20and%20getting%20the%20sinoatrial%20node%20back%20into%20sync%20with%20the%20atrioventricular%20node%20(AV)%20node.%20If%20the%20fibrillation%20is%20a%20chronic%20problem%20(more%20than%20four%20months),%20the%20success%20rate%20drops%20accordingly.%20Electrical%20shock%20therapy%20may%20be%20used%20to%20normalize%20the%20rhythm%20is%20some%20cases.%20If%20an%20underlying%20cardiac%20disease%20like%20CHF%20is%20present,%20the%20treatment%20will%20also%20be%20directed%20towards%20its%20treatment,%20along%20with%20stabilizing%20the%20heart%20rhythm.%20Living%20and%20Management%20Follow%20your%20veterinarian%5Cu2019s%20guidelines%20regarding%20diet,%20exercise,%20rest,%20medication,%20and%20management%20of%20your%20cat%20at%20home.%20In%20cases%20of%20primary%20atrial%20fibrillation,%20recurrence%20can%20occur,%20especially%20in%20patients%20with%20chronic%20problems.%20Observe%20your%20cat%5Cu2019s%20health%20and%20call%20your%20veterinarian%20if%20you%20notice%20any%20symptoms%20that%20appear%20abnormal.%20In%20cases%20of%20severe%20cardiac%20diseases%20like%20CHF,%20a%20high%20level%20of%20commitment%20and%20care%20will%20be%20required%20on%20your%20part%20for%20the%20treatment%20and%20management%20of%20your%20cat%5Cu2019s%20home%20care.%20Keeping%20a%20diary%20of%20all%20events%20and%20staying%20in%20touch%20with%20your%20veterinarian%20throughout%20treatment%20period%20will%20help%20you%20to%20follow%20your%20cat%5Cu2019s%20progress.%20%22%7D){kind=logo}
%20Impaired%20respiration%5C/respiratory%20distress%20Pale%20membranes%20Weakness%20and%20collapse%20Weak,%20rapid%20pulse%20Breathing%20sounds%20become%20dullAssociated%20with%20a%20causative%20factor:%20Trauma%20Blood%20clotting%20(coagulation)%20disorderCauses%20Trauma%20Bleeding%20from%20any%20artery%20or%20vein%20of%20the%20thoracic%20wall%20or%20spine,%20damaged%20heart,%20lungs,%20thymus%20(a%20small%20glandular%20organ%20that%20is%20situated%20behind%20the%20top%20of%20the%20breastbone),%20and%20diaphragm%20Rodenticide%20ingestion%20is%20a%20common%20cause%20Herniated%20liver%20or%20spleen%20Tumor%20Coagulopathies%20(clotting%20disorders)%20Clotting%20factor%20defects%20are%20more%20common%20than%20platelet%20abnormalities%20May%20be%20congenital%20or%20acquired%20Liver%20failure%20Cholangiohepatitis%20(inflammation%20of%20the%20gallbladder%20and%20bile%20ducts)%20with%20concurrent%20small%20bowel%20disease%20Lung%20lobe%20twisting%20Acute%20thymic%20hemorrhage%20in%20young%20animals%20(i.e.,%20thymus:%20gland%20at%20the%20base%20of%20the%20neck)%20Diagnosis%20Your%20veterinarian%20will%20perform%20a%20complete%20physical%20exam%20on%20your%20cat,%20including%20a%20standard%20blood%20chemical%20profile,%20complete%20blood%20count,%20an%20electrolyte%20panel%20and%20a%20urinalysis%20so%20as%20to%20rule%20out%20other%20causes%20of%20disease.%20You%20will%20need%20to%20give%20a%20thorough%20history%20of%20your%20cat's%20health,%20onset%20of%20symptoms,%20and%20possible%20incidents%20that%20might%20have%20preceded%20this%20condition.%20Clotting%20profiles%20should%20be%20performed%20on%20a%20blood%20sample%20to%20verify%20for%20delayed%20clotting%20times.%20The%20packed%20cell%20volume,%20hemoglobin%20and%20platelet%20count%20will%20be%20lower%20than%20normal.%20The%20blood%20chemical%20profile%20may%20show%20signs%20of%20liver%20failure%20(which%20would%20cause%20bleeding%20into%20bodily%20cavities%20since%20clotting%20factors%20would%20not%20be%20produced).%20The%20fluid%20in%20the%20chest%20should%20be%20sampled%20and%20analyzed%20at%20a%20laboratory%20for%20a%20comparison%20with%20peripheral%20blood.%20Platelets%20are%20often%20found%20in%20chest%20fluid%20samples.%20X-rays%20are%20crucial%20for%20visualizing%20the%20extent%20of%20the%20fluid%20build-up%20in%20the%20chest,%20the%20collapse%20of%20lung%20lobes,%20and%20any%20masses%20which%20might%20be%20present%20in%20the%20chest%20cavity.%20An%20ultrasound%20of%20the%20chest%20can%20reveal%20a%20diseased%20condition%20with%20an%20even%20greater%20sensitivity%20than%20an%20x-ray%20image%20would.%20Treatment%20Patients%20suffering%20from%20hemothorax%20should%20be%20treated%20on%20an%20inpatient%20basis.%20They%20must%20receive%20fluid%20therapy%20to%20correct%20their%20blood%20loss%20into%20the%20chest%20cavity.%20If%20the%20cat%20also%20has%20air%20free%20(outside%20the%20lungs)%20in%20the%20chest%20cavity,%20this%20must%20be%20immediately%20corrected.%20If%20the%20lungs%20are%20bruised,%20ventilator%20support%20may%20be%20necessary.%20These%20patients%20often%20also%20need%20oxygen%20therapy,%20and%20will%20need%20to%20be%20kept%20warm%20to%20prevent%20shock.%20If%20the%20cat's%20blood%20sample%20has%20a%20delayed%20clotting%20time,%20then%20a%20plasma%20or%20blood%20transfusion%20may%20be%20needed%20to%20restore%20clotting%20factors%20or%20to%20provide%20red%20blood%20cells%20for%20oxygen%20transport.%20Severe%20or%20recurrent%20thoracic%20hemorrhage%20may%20require%20surgical%20exploration.%20Living%20and%20Management%20While%20your%20cat%20is%20recovering%20from%20hemothorax,%20it%20is%20probably%20best%20to%20avoid%20giving%20it%20any%20aspirin%20or%20other%20over%20the%20counter%20medications%20that%20might%20decrease%20clotting.%20Your%20veterinarian%20will%20schedule%20follow-up%20appointments%20as%20necessary%20to%20treat%20your%20cat's%20underlying%20condition.%20If%20your%20cat%20shows%20signs%20of%20a%20recurrence%20of%20hemothorax,%20notify%20your%20veterinarian%20immediately;%20surgery%20may%20be%20necessary%20for%20correcting%20recurring%20cases.%22%7D){kind=spacer}
.%20Chemodectomas%20are%20rare%20in%20cats,%20but%20when%20they%20do%20occur,%20older%20cats%20tend%20to%20be%20more%20predisposed.%20However,%20there%20does%20not%20appear%20to%20be%20a%20gender%20or%20breed%20predilection%20for%20chemodectomas.%20Given%20that%20this%20is%20a%20rare%20condition%20in%20cats,%20aortic%20tumors%20are%20more%20common%20than%20carotid%20tumors,%20but%20metastasis%20to%20other%20organs%20appears%20to%20be%20more%20common%20in%20cats%20when%20it%20does%20occur.%20Symptoms%20and%20Types%20Aortic%20body%20tumors%20occur%20on%20the%20aortic%20artery%20near%20the%20base%20of%20the%20heart.%20They%20are%20rarely%20of%20a%20malignant%20nature;%20they%20will%20grow%20within%20the%20space%20but%20not%20spread%20to%20the%20surrounding%20organs.%20These%20tumors%20become%20a%20health%20concern%20when%20their%20growth%20displaces%20the%20trachea,%20when%20they%20grow%20into%20the%20adjacent%20vessels,%20or%20when%20their%20growth%20places%20pressure%20on%20the%20atria%20or%20vena%20cava,%20impairing%20their%20functionality%20for%20conveying%20blood%20to%20the%20body%20and%20heart.%20Symptoms%20associated%20with%20aortic%20body%20tumors%20include:%20Coughing%20Trouble%20breathing%20Symptoms%20of%20right-sided%20congestive%20heart%20failure%20(CHF)%20Weakness,%20lethargy%20Carotid%20body%20tumors,%20meanwhile,%20occur%20on%20the%20common%20carotid%20artery%20near%20the%20point%20of%20bifurcation%20--%20where%20the%20artery%20splits%20into%20the%20internal%20and%20external%20carotid%20arteries.%20These%20arteries%20carry%20oxygenated%20blood%20to%20the%20head%20and%20neck,%20and%20are%20located%20in%20the%20neck.%20Because%20of%20this%20relation%20to%20the%20major%20arterial%20passages,%20carotid%20body%20tumors%20are%20often%20impossible%20to%20remove.%20In%20the%20majority%20of%20cases,%20these%20tumors%20remain%20slow%20growing%20but%20benign,%20and%20as%20with%20aortic%20tumors,%20they%20become%20a%20health%20issue%20when%20they%20invade%20the%20spaces%20of%20the%20adjacent%20blood%20vessels%20and%20lymphatic%20vessels.%20In%20an%20estimated%2030%20percent%20of%20cases,%20metastasis%20may%20occur%20into%20the%20surrounding%20organs,%20such%20as%20the%20lungs,%20bronchia%20or%20lymph%20nodes,%20or%20further%20into%20the%20liver%20or%20pancreas.%20Symptoms%20associated%20with%20carotid%20body%20tumors%20include:%20Regurgitation%20Vomiting%20Trouble%20with%20eating%20(anorexia)%20Lump%20in%20the%20neck%20Other%20symptoms%20seen%20in%20cats%20affected%20by%20either%20body%20tumor%20type%20include:%20Severe%20hemorrhaging%20due%20to%20tumors%20in%20the%20blood%20vessels%20(can%20lead%20to%20sudden%20death)%20Metastasis%20to%20local%20blood%20vessels%20(up%20to%2050%20percent%20of%20cases%20)%20Organ%20failure%20due%20to%20cancerous%20growths%20(up%20to%2020%20percent%20of%20cases)%20Causes%20It%20is%20suspected%20that%20chronic%20lack%20of%20oxygen%20(hypoxemia)%20may%20be%20associated%20with%20chemodectoma%20development.%20Diagnosis%20After%20performing%20a%20thorough%20physical%20exam%20on%20your%20cat%20and%20taking%20a%20complete%20medical%20history%20from%20you,%20your%20veterinarian%20will%20order%20a%20chemical%20blood%20profile,%20complete%20blood%20count,%20urinalysis,%20and%20electrolyte%20panel.%20The%20results%20of%20these%20tests%20will%20give%20some%20indication%20of%20the%20whether%20the%20cancer%20has%20spread%20in%20the%20body.%20If%20hemorrhaging%20is%20occurring,%20anemia%20may%20be%20present,%20and%20if%20metastasis%20is%20taking%20place,%20higher%20than%20normal%20liver%20enzymes%20may%20be%20present%20in%20the%20bloodstream.%20Chest%20X-rays%20will%20be%20used%20to%20identify%20the%20location%20of%20the%20mass%20and%20to%20check%20for%20cancer%20spread%20to%20the%20lungs%20or%20spine.%20A%20heart%20ultrasound%20will%20also%20be%20performed,%20and%20if%20heart%20impairment%20is%20suspected,%20an%20electrocardiogram%20(EKG)%20may%20be%20used%20to%20measure%20the%20heart%5Cu2019s%20ability%20to%20conduct%20electrical%20signals.%20If%20possible,%20a%20tissue%20sample%20will%20be%20taken%20from%20the%20mass%20for%20biopsy.%20This%20will%20provide%20a%20definite%20diagnosis.%20Treatment%20Unfortunately,%20the%20prognosis%20for%20cats%20with%20either%20of%20these%20types%20of%20tumors%20is%20grim.%20It%20is%20often%20very%20difficult%20to%20remove%20these%20tumors%20because%20of%20their%20placement,%20and%20they%20will%20continue%20to%20grow%20until%20functioning%20of%20the%20surrounding%20vessels%20or%20organs%20is%20impaired%20to%20the%20point%20of%20cardiac%20arrest%20or%20organ%20failure.%20Cancer%20treating%20therapies,%20such%20as%20radiotherapy,%20can%20sometimes%20be%20used%20along%20with%20surgery%20to%20slow%20down%20the%20spread%20of%20these%20cancers.%20Living%20and%20Management%20Your%20cat%20will%20need%20to%20be%20reevaluated%20by%20your%20veterinarian%20at%20least%20every%20three%20months%20for%20chest%20X-rays,%20as%20well%20as%20a%20physical%20exam%20to%20monito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