Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radiographic signs of heart failure lung fluid in 23 cats
By Benigni, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Radiographic appearance of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in 23 cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 23 cats showing signs of heart failure, such as rapid or difficult breathing, were examined using X-rays to look for fluid in their lungs (pulmonary edema). The X-rays revealed different patterns of fluid buildup, with most cats showing a mix of interstitial and alveolar patterns, indicating varying severity. The presence of enlarged blood vessels was also noted in many of the cats. Understanding these patterns can help veterinarians diagnose and treat heart-related breathing issues more effectively.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat heart failure symptoms · pulmonary edema in cats treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiographic appearance of pulmonary oedema in cats with cardiac failure. METHODS: Thoracic radiographs of 23 cats presented to a first opinion practice with signs of cardiac failure were reviewed. All cats had tachypnoea and/or dyspnoea and enlarged left atrium on echocardiography. RESULTS: Pulmonary oedema was characterised radiographically by an increased opacity associated with a range of patterns and variable distribution. All cats had evidence of a reticular or granular interstitial pattern. This occurred in combination with alveolar pattern in 19 (83 per cent) cats, including six with air bronchograms, with increased diameter of pulmonary vessels in 16 (71 per cent) cats and with bronchial pattern in 14 (61 per cent) cats. The distribution of pulmonary oedema was considered to be diffuse/non-uniform in 14 (61 per cent) cats, diffuse/uniform in four (17 per cent) cats, multi-focal in four (17 per cent) cats and focal in the remaining one (4 per cent). Nine (39 per cent) cats were considered to have a regional distribution of oedema, including five (22 per cent) with a ventral distribution, three (13 per cent) with a caudal distribution and one (4 per cent) cat with a hilar distribution. The distribution of pulmonary opacities was bilaterally symmetrical in five (22 per cent) cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The variable appearance of feline pulmonary oedema is likely to complicate its radiographic diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19037891/