Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with kidney failure and heart calcium deposits seen on imaging
By Minsoo Chung et al.·Published in Animals·2026·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Multimodal Imaging of Systemic Metastatic Myocardial and Vascular Calcification Associated with Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in a Castrated Male Cat with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old male mixed-breed cat was brought in for breathing difficulties and not eating. He was diagnosed with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and had high levels of calcium and phosphorus in his blood, which can lead to dangerous calcification in the heart and blood vessels. Imaging tests showed significant calcification in his heart and other areas, indicating serious heart problems. Despite aggressive treatment, the cat's condition worsened, and he was euthanized eight days later due to ongoing kidney failure. This case highlights the serious complications that can arise from advanced kidney disease in cats.
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Abstract
Myocardial calcification is an uncommon complication associated with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in feline patients. This report describes the clinical and multimodal imaging features of metastatic calcification in a 10-year-old castrated male mixed-breed cat. The patient presented with dyspnea and anorexia, and was diagnosed with IRIS Stage 4 CKD. Laboratory findings revealed severe hyperphosphatemia and an elevated calcium–phosphorus product (CPP) of 135 mg<sup>2</sup>/dL<sup>2</sup>, based on total calcium. This value significantly exceeds 70 mg<sup>2</sup>/dL<sup>2</sup>, a threshold associated with a high probability of inducing soft tissue mineralization. Echocardiography revealed extensive hyperechoic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing in the interventricular septum and left ventricular wall. Functional assessment demonstrated a restrictive diastolic filling pattern, suggesting increased myocardial stiffness and congestive heart failure. Computed tomography (CT) further visualized systemic involvement, showing diffuse, amorphous calcifications (400–900 HU) in the myocardium, multifocal aortic wall, and extracardiac tissues. Despite intensive treatment with diuretics and renal support, the patient was euthanized eight days later due to progressive renal failure. This case illustrates that the interaction between metastatic calcification and uremic cardiomyopathy (UC) can result in refractory heart failure, underscoring the value of combined echocardiography and CT in evaluating end-stage renal disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081169