Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with exercise intolerance and mouth breathing
By Bahnasi, Abdalla & Elkammar, Mahmoud·Published in Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences·2026·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in an Egyptian Cat: A Case Report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was brought in because he was having trouble exercising and was breathing with his mouth open when stressed. The veterinarian found a heart murmur and noticed that his heart was enlarged on X-rays. An ultrasound of the heart confirmed a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where blood flows incorrectly through the heart, causing strain. Although surgery could fix the problem, the owner chose not to proceed with that option. This case shows how important it is to listen to a cat's heart and use ultrasound to catch heart issues early.
People also search for: cat heart murmur · exercise intolerance in cats · patent ductus arteriosus treatment · mouth breathing cat · cat heart disease symptoms
Abstract
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is relatively common congenital heart anomaly in dogs but is rarely reported in cats. This report describes the diagnostic evaluation of a 6 years old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented with exercise intolerance and mouth breathing during stress. Physical examination revealed a continuous machinery like murmur at the left heart base and bounding femoral pulsation. Thoracic radiography demonstrated cardiomegaly, a broncho-interstitial lung pattern, and pulmonary venous enlargement. Echocardiography confirmed a left to right shunting PDA with evidence of left atrial and left ventricular dilation (LA/Ao ratio is 1.68, left ventrivcular internal diameter during the diastole (LVIDd) is 31.8mm). Hematology illustrates mild anemia and biochemistry demonstrated elevated ALT activity, with other parameters within normal limits. Surgical correction was discussed with the owner but declined. This case highlights the diagnostic approach and clinical relevance of PDA in cats and emphasizes the importance of auscultation and echocardiography in the recognition of congenital cardiac anomalies in feline practice in Egypt.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.5455/ajvs.287090