Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with heart failure and irregular heartbeat from heart muscle
By Harjuhahto, Tytti A I et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2011·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation in a cat with myocardial fibro-fatty infiltration.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Birman cat was brought to the vet for breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, and extreme tiredness. Tests showed that the cat had congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat. Despite treatment with diuretics, benazepril, and blood-thinning medications, the cat's condition did not improve, and the owner ultimately chose euthanasia. A post-mortem exam revealed heart muscle changes that contributed to the cat's heart problems.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · congestive heart failure in cats · atrial fibrillation treatment for cats
Abstract
Congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation were diagnosed in a 4-year-old castrated Birman cat with progressive signs of dyspnea, tachypnea, and lethargy. Echocardiography revealed massive right-sided heart dilatation with ascites and hydrothorax. Electrocardiogram recording showed atrial fibrillation. Medical therapy with diuretics, benazepril, and antithrombotic agents was unsuccessful. The owner requested euthanasia. In post-mortem examination, changes associated with myocardial fibro-fatty infiltration were confirmed. Changes were most marked in the right ventricular wall but with left ventricular involvement was detected.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21126897/