Case Study

Unclassified Cardiomyopathy in 9 year old FS DSH

This 9 year old DSH cat presented with ascites and cardiomegally. BUN 44, Crea 2.3, TP > 11, HCT 18.4%

Image Interpretation

The echocardiogram in this patient demonstrated both left and right sided enlargement with mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. Bilateral atrial enlargement and hypocontractility were noted. Septal and free wall thicknesses were within normal limits. Volume overload was also noted in the left ventricle. Tricuspid insufficiency measured 3.2 m/sec. Slight pericardial effusion was noted. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the hepatic veins were dilated owing to passive congestion, and a large amount of ascites was noted.

DX

Unclassified cardiomyopathy, end stage.

Outcome

Left and right sided congestive heart failure with slight pericardial effusion, passive congestion to hepatic vessels and secondary ascites owing to right-sided failure.

Comments

The patient was on Prednisone

Triple therapy was recommenced for this patient, as well as off label use of Pimobendan 0.25 mg/kg b.i.d. Lasix was recommended at 2-3 mg/kg b.i.d. and ace inhibitor at 0.5 mg/kg s.i.d. progressing to b.i.d. Plavix therapy and Taurine supplementation was also said to be appropriate.
Recheck echocardiogram was recommended in 7-10 days.

The prognosis was guarded to poor long term, depending upon response to therapy.