Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with fast heart rhythm linked to Bartonella infection
By Nakamura, Reid K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2011·Advanced Veterinary Care Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected Bartonella-associated myocarditis and supraventricular tachycardia in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old female domestic short hair cat was brought in because her vet found an abnormal fast heart rate during a routine check-up. Tests showed she had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but her heart structure looked normal. Further testing revealed she had a Bartonella infection, which can affect the heart. The cat was treated with anti-arrhythmic medications to control her heart rate and antibiotics to tackle the infection. After treatment, her Bartonella levels dropped significantly, and follow-up visits showed her heart rate returned to normal, allowing her to stop all medications.
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Abstract
A 4-year old female spayed domestic short hair cat presented for evaluation of a tachyarrhythmia identified on routine physical examination. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was identified on electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiogram failed to identify any structural heart disease. A positive Bartonella antibody titer was identified on serological evaluation. The cat received anti-arrhythmics for control of the SVT and azithromycin for Bartonella. After completion of antibiotic therapy, a four-fold decrease in the Bartonella antibody titer was measured and the cat was eventually weaned off anti-arrhythmic medications. At 1 week, 1 month and 3 month re-checks off all therapy, no SVT was identified.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051527/