An 8-year-old neutered male cat was presented with a history of anorexia, constipation, pulmonary edema, dyspnea, and cardiomegaly on survey thoracic radiographs.
An 8-year-old neutered male cat was presented with a history of anorexia, constipation, pulmonary edema, dyspnea, and cardiomegaly on survey thoracic radiographs.
Intermediate (unclassified) cardiomyopathy with left sided congestive heart failure. Minor pericardial effusion and pulmonary edema. Left atrial clot.
The cardiac presentation in this patient presented a severely enlarged left atrium with an overt left atrial clot (Videos 1 & 2). The mitral valve was mildly thickened and insufficient with an intermittently embedded clot deriving from the left atrium (Videos 2 & 3). The left ventricle exhibited normal contractility with mild excessive volume. A mild amount of pericardial effusion was noted, consistent with left sided congestive heart failure. This effusion measured approximately 0.3cm in width (Video 4).
The patient was treated with atenolol, enalapril, lasix, laxatone, and plavix. Once the patient’s bowel movements became normal, the Laxatone was decreased. A poor prognosis was given. This patient is at significant risk for thromboembolic episodes. Therefore, frequent ultrasounds of the kidneys and intestines as well as palpation of femoral pulses would be recommended to prevent any potential thromboembolic event. Unfortunately, the animal was found dead three months later.
Cardiomyopathy – dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive. Ventricular hypertrophy secondary to essential hypertension, renal disease, hyperthyroidism.
None
