Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart failure linked to diabetes in two cats improved with treatment
By Cho, jaechun et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports·2026·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea, South Korea·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: EXPRESS: Reversible Congestive Heart Failure Associated With Diabetes Mellitus in Two Cats
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats with diabetes developed breathing problems and other signs of congestive heart failure, which is when the heart can't pump blood effectively. Both cats were treated with insulin and medications for heart failure, leading to significant improvement in their condition within weeks. Their heart function and blood sugar levels stabilized, but one cat experienced a recurrence of heart issues when its diabetes was poorly managed. After adjusting its diabetes treatment, the cat improved again. This case highlights the connection between diabetes and heart problems in cats and the importance of managing blood sugar levels.
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Abstract
Title Reversible Congestive Heart Failure Associated With Diabetes Mellitus in Two Cats Case series summary This report describes two cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that developed clinical signs consistent with congestive heart failure (CHF). Clinical and echocardiographic findings improved over time with stabilisation and optimisation of glycaemic management. Both cats presented with dyspnea, hypotension and hypothermia. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Pleural effusion was identified in one case. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular thickening with left atrial enlargement. Laboratory abnormalities included hyperglycaemia, elevated fructosamine and increased N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations. Following CHF therapy and insulin administration, both cats showed rapid clinical improvement, with NT-proBNP concentrations decreasing into the reference range and improvement in echocardiographic parameters within weeks. One cat later showed again an increase in myocardial thickness and experienced recurrence of CHF during a period of poor glycaemic control, with subsequent improvement following intensified glycaemic management. Relevance and novel information To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that developed congestive heart failure accompanied by increased left ventricular wall thickness and left atrial enlargement on echocardiography, with subsequent improvement following clinical stabilisation and glycaemic management. These cases suggest a potential association between metabolic dysregulation and the occurrence of congestive heart failure in cats. Keywords congestive heart failure; diabetes mellitus; echocardiography; glycaemic management
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/20551169261446703