The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s Life
On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes veterinarian Dr. Heather Davis, Director of Clinical Affairs and Veterinary Services for Pegasus, to discuss hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a surprisingly common heart disease that affects about 1 in 7 cats. Often called a silent killer because symptoms can go unnoticed until the disease is advanced, HCM is something every cat parent should know about. Dr. Davis explains what causes HCM, why certain breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Sphynx cats may be at higher risk, and how veterinarians diagnose and manage the condition. She also shares a simple “breath test” cat owners can do at home to help detect early warning signs while their cat is sleeping. Plus, Michelle and Dr. Davis discuss new advances in veterinary medicine, FDA-approved treatments for feline heart disease, and the importance of working closely with your veterinarian instead of relying on “Dr. Google.” If you love your cat and want to stay proactive about their health, this informative episode is a must-listen.
Listen to Episode #297 Now:
Sleeping Cats and Hidden Heart Problems
BIO:
AWith a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, I currently lead clinical and non-clinical studies at Pegasus Laboratories. My core competencies include comprehensive communication, enhancing project performance, and advanced data analysis, which have been pivotal in managing development projects and strategic commercial initiatives.
My leadership at Pegasus Laboratories has been marked by collaboration with the CVM team and mentorship of a dynamic group of New Product Development Managers and Technical Services Veterinarians. We've successfully driven projects from idea inception to market launch, and I'm dedicated to fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives, aligns with our company's culture, and continually seeks to improve our processes and outcomes.
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