Acquired CV Disease in Cats Flashcards
What kind of acquired cardiovascular diseases (myocardial or valvular) is more common in cats?
Almost ALL acquired disease in cats is myocardial. Primary valvular disease is EXTREMELY RARE, and pericardial disease is a lot less rare than in dogs.
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)? What is it’s pathophysiology?
HCM is AKA idiopathic LV hypertrophy). In HCM, impaired ventricular relaxation and increased stiffness (impared diastolic function) lead to an increase in atrial pressure and congestive failure. Also LVOTO occurs.
What is Dyanmic Left ventricular outflow obstruction? What disease is it associated with?
LVOTO is abnormal movement of the anterior mitral valve during systole (systolic anterior motion) causing an obstruction to the outflow tract (aorta) It is associated with HCM.
What is the signalment/predisposition for HCM in cats?
Most common in young adult males, but it is seen in all ages. It is most commonly seen in your TYPICAL MOGGIE. Maine coones, persians, ragdolls, cornish rexes, bengals are all predisposed.
What are the common presenting signs for cats with HCM?
It depends on the stage in the disease. Some cats are asymptomatic, some have congestive HF, worse cats may present with an aortic thromboembolism/sudden death.
On a physical exam, what findings would you expect from a cat with HCM?
Again depends on how progressed. A variable left systolic murmur, may have a prominent apical pulse, may have gallop sounds, tachypnoea, crackles etc. Or may be completely normal.
What would you expect to see on a radiograph from a cat presenting with HCM and congestive heart failure signs?
LV hypertrophy and long cardiac silhouette. May have an enlarged LA. If congestive signs, will see signs of pulmonary oedema and/or pleural effusion.
What would you expect to see on echocardiography from a cat presenting with HCM and congestive heart failure signs?
LV hypertrophy (diastolic septal or free wall thickness of > or = 6mm), may see Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve causing LVOTO. May also see an enlarged LA.
What is the prognosis for cats with HCM? What factors may make prognosis worse?
Prognosis is poor is the cat has clinical signs. Subclinical prognosis is better. If LA enlarged (increased LA/Ao ratio) or ATE the prognosis is not very good.
What is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cats? What is it’s pathophysiology?
Characterised by a dilatation in all 4 chambers of the heart. It used to be associated with taurine deficiency but most cats have better diet now. Impaired systolic function as heart does not beat properly.
What is the signalment/predisposition for DCM in cats?
Middle aged and older cats. Taurine defiecient diet (e.g. cats fed on dog food)
What are the common presenting signs and physical exam findings for cats with DCM?
May be hypotensive, hypothermic, bradycardic. May also have a quiet murmur (not always), and gallop sounds.
What would you expect to see on echocardiography from a cat presenting with DCM?
Dilated spherical LV with thin walls, fractional shortening 12mm.
What is the prognosis for cats with DCM?
Prognosis is grave.
What is restricted cardiomyopathy (RCM) in cats? What is it’s pathophysiology?
RCM is characterised by impaired diastolic function due to a stiff LV. However, there is relatively normal LV dimensions and systolic function. It can be the endomyocardial form or the myocardial form.
How is the endomyocardial form of RCM characterised in cats? What about the myocardial form?
Severe endomyocardial scarring is seen, as well as severe atrial enlargement in both forms.
What is the signalment/predisposition for RCM in cats?
Generally older cats.
What are the common presenting signs and physical exam findings for cats with RCM?
Dyspnoea from pleural effusion common, may have low output signs, ATE. Arrhythmias are common.
What would you expect to see on echocardiography from a cat presenting with RCM?
Severe biatrial enlargement. No LV hypertrophy or dilatation. Endomyocardial form has distinctive endomyocardial scarring, but myocardial may be harder to diagnose.
What is arhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in cats? What is it’s pathophysiology? Is it seen in other species?
Only recognised in cats, and is characterised by fibrofatty infiltration of the right ventricle. The left heart is relatively normal.
What are the common presenting signs and physical exam findings for cats with ARVC?
May be asymptomatic, may be syncopal in associatian with arrhythmias. May have right sided heart failure.
What would you expect to see on echocardiography from a cat presenting with ARVC?
Severe right ventricular and right atrial dilatation. Tricupsid regurgitation is usually present. RV wall may be thin.
What is the most common cardiomyopathy in cats?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
What are the 4 most important cardiomyopathies in cats?
HCM, DCM, RCM, ARVC
