Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat collapsed from large heart tumor pressing on right side of heart
By Herrold, E J et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2020·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Giant pericardial-occupying compressive primary cardiac hemangiosarcoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat suddenly collapsed due to fluid buildup around the heart, known as cardiac tamponade. After a vet removed 15 mL of fluid, the cat showed quick improvement, but further tests revealed a large tumor pressing on the heart. Unfortunately, about five weeks later, the cat developed breathing problems and was euthanized. A necropsy confirmed the tumor was a type of cancer called hemangiosarcoma, but there was no evidence that it had spread to other parts of the body.
People also search for: cat collapse causes · cat heart tumor treatment · hemangiosarcoma in cats · cat breathing problems · pericardial effusion in cats
Abstract
Hemangioarcoma in the cat is an infrequently diagnosed tumor, and cardiac involvement is rare. We report a previously healthy, 8-year-old, domestic shorthair cat with acute collapse associated with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Following pericardiocentesis and removal of 15 mL of fluid, the cat improved rapidly. A massive, space-occupying, intrapericardial tumor adhered to and compressing the right atrium and ventricle was detected by echocardiography. Approximately 5 weeks following initial presentation, bicavitary effusion and tachypnea developed, and the cat was euthanized. Necropsy revealed a giant intrapericardial mass adhered to and impinging upon the right heart. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed hemangiosarcoma with no gross or histologic evidence of metastasis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first account of a pericardial-occupying, primary feline cardiac hemangiosarcoma resulting in compression of the right heart and cardiac tamponade, Further, this report describes novel clinicopathological relationships between radiographic and echocardiographic findings and gross and microscopic pathology.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32497967/