Food By Franz

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Mutation in Cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in the cat. In many breeds it is an inherited disease. Our laboratory has identified two mutations responsible for the gene in some cats. One genetic mutation is found predominantly in Maine Coon cats and the second genetic mutation is found predominantly in Ragdoll cats.

It should be noted that in human beings with the same disease, there are many different genetic mutations which can cause this disease. It is likely the same in the cat but additional mutations have not yet been defined.

Very importantly, the absence of the mutation in a cat DOES NOT mean that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the cat at this time. In the future, additional mutations may be identified that may be tested for as well.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. As the disease progresses the heart chambers become enlarged, one or more valves may leak, and signs of congestive heart failure develop. The cause of DCM is unclear in most cases, but certain breeds appear to have an inherited predisposition. Large breeds of dogs are most often affected, although DCM also occurs in some smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels. Occasionally, DCM-like heart muscle dysfunction develops secondary to an identifiable cause such as a toxin or an infection. In contrast to people, heart muscle dysfunction in dogs and cats is almost never the result of chronic coronary artery disease (”heart attacks”).
Dogs with heart failure caused by DCM often show signs of left-sided congestive failure. These include reduced exercise ability and tiring quickly, increased breathing rate or effort for the level of their activity excess panting, and cough (especially with activity). Sometimes the cough seems soft, like the dog is clearing its throat. Poor heart pumping ability and arrhythmias can cause episodes of sudden weakness, fainting, or sudden death as noted above. Some dogs with DCM experience abdominal enlargement or heavy breathing because of fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, respectively. Presence of any of these signs should prompt a visit to your veterinarian to determine if heart failure (or another disease) has developed.

More advanced signs of heart failure could include labored breathing, reluctance to lie down, inability to rest comfortably, worsened cough, reduced activity, loss of appetite, and collapse. A veterinarian should be consulted right away if these signs occur. Signs of severe heart failure may seem to develop quickly with DCM, but the development of underlying heart muscle abnormalities and progression to overt heart failure probably takes months to years.

A cardiac exam by a veterinarian can detect abnormal heart sounds (when present) and many signs of heart failure. Usually chest radiographs (x-rays), an electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram are performed to confirm a suspected diagnosis and to assess severity. Echocardiography also can be used to screen for early DCM in breeds with a higher incidence of the disease. Resting and 24-hour (Holter) ECGs are sometimes used as screening tests for the frequent arrhythmias that usually accompany DCM in some breeds, especially boxers and Doberman pinchers.

What can be done if my pet has this disease?

Asymptomatic (subclinical) cases of DCM may be treated with enalapril® or another ACE inhibitor to slow progression of the changes leading to heart failure. Other medications and strategies are also used as signs of heart failure develop and/or if rhythm abnormalities are present. Therapy is always tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Since this disease is not reversible and heart failure tends to be progressive, the intensity of therapy (for example, the number of medicines and the dosages used) usually must be increase over time.

Recently a Boxer dog with a heart rhythm disturbance due to cardiomyopathy had a defibrillator surgically placed to control his heart rate.

This Pet Health Topic was written by O. L. Nelson, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology & Internal Medicine) Washington State University.

Ham/Spinach/Onion Quiche

Ingredients:
1 frozen pie crust (or your own if you prefer)
2/3 C ham, cubed
9 oz pkg of frozen spinach (no sauce)
1/4 onion, sliced thin
1 tbsp butter/oleo
5 eggs
1/2 C heavy cream
pepper
2/3 C cheese (cubed, crumbled or shredded) Feta & sharp cheddar
1/2 C med cheddar, grated (for topping)
Paprika

To Prepare: Oven to 375. Cook the spinach according to directions and drain thoroughly-set aside. In a skillet, quickly brown the ham cubes, turn down the heat and add the oleo and onion. Cook until the onion is golden brown – approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat. In a bowl, mix your eggs, cream and pepper (to taste). Mix together the ham, onion, spinach, cubed cheeses lightly and put in the prepared pie shell. Pour the egg mix over – should cover in the ingredients. Top with the additional grated cheddar cheese. Place in oven on a cookie sheet and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick – like a cake it should come out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations of Quiche are really endless. Imagine a wonderful combination of tastes…
think canadian bacon, onion and havarti/cheddar.
Or perhaps a seafood quiche – crab, asparagus, cream cheese and pepper jack -
Or shrimp, peppers, green onion w/queso fresco and cheddar -
Or bacon, spinach, mushroom, feta and sweet peppers.
Or smoked salmon, red onion, dilled havarti, colby jack …… you get the idea.
I have even read a french recipe or quiche with tomato, anchovies and olives!
This recipe is just a base – Dream on….
I look forward to hearing what combination you like best

*********This pairs nicely w/Janells Spicy White Chicken Chili***********

Ingredients:
3 cups self-rising flour
1 can beer
2 Tbsp (sweet) molasses, squeezed fruit juice, (whatever)…

Oven to 360. Spray loaf pan (olive mist, pam, etc.), pour batter in prepared pan and bake for 30 to 45 minutes (test at 30)
Cool 20 minutes before slicing

Janells tip: I use a glass baking dish because you can see the bottom of the bread to check for color, texture

Orange Carrot Cake – (I love this recipe – 1 bowl does it all!)

Ingredients:
3 C flour
2 C sugar
1 C coconut
2.5 tsp baking soda
2.5 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 C shredded carrots
1 ¼ C oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp orange zest
11 oz can of mandarin oranges
3 eggs

To Assemble (the easy part!)
Preheat oven @ 350. Grease 9×13 pan – spoon flour into measuring cup & level. In large bowl blend cake ingredients – beat 2 min. until completely mixed. Pour into pan, bake 45-50 minutes or until pick comes clean from center – allow to cool completely before icing. Great without, too

Cream Cheese Icing
8 oz pkg of cream cheese
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 C powdered sugar
½ – 1 C of chopped nuts (optional)

In medium bowl blend all frosting ingredients (less the nuts) beat until smooth. Ice cake and sprinkle w/nuts if desired.

Note* I half this recipe usually as it’s a lot of icing for 1 cake

High altitude note decrease soda to 2 tbsp, bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes

Hazelnut Biscotti

4 C flour
2 C sugar
2 tsp baking powder
6 eggs
4-5 tbsp frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
2 tsp almond extract
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 C roasted hazelnuts, coarse chop

To make biscotti using a food processor – combine dry ingredients in processor using blade. In small bowl combine eggs, frangelico and extracts. Add liquid ingredients to dry in steady stream while processor is on. Process just until a stiff dough forms – add hazelnuts & pulse just enough to mix the nuts into dough.

Shape dough into flattish log approximately 3 inches wide and cooking sheet length. Lay the logs on greased sheets and bake 350 oven for approx 20 minutes. Remove from oven & let cool until able to touch – take serrated knife and cut crosswise into ¾ “ wide pieces. Bake slices again for approx 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove & cool, store in tins

These are excellent with coffee, put into fun seasonal tins, they make wonderful, yummy gifts.