Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Dissection Techniques and Histological Sampling of the Heart in Large Animal Models for Cardiovascular Diseases
10:53

Dissection Techniques and Histological Sampling of the Heart in Large Animal Models for Cardiovascular Diseases

Published on: June 16, 2022

Prevalence of heart disease in symptomatic cats: an overview from 1998 to 2005

S C Riesen1, A Kovacevic, C W Lombard

  • 1Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland. Sabine.Riesen@kkh.unibe.ch

Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde
|March 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, affecting over 67% of diagnosed cases. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a frequent congenital anomaly, differing from prior research.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Cardiology
  • Feline Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are a significant concern in feline health.
  • An increasing number of cats are being presented for cardiovascular evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prevalence and types of cardiovascular diseases diagnosed in cats over an 8-year period.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of electrocardiography (ECG) and thoracic radiography in feline heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 408 feline cases presented to two clinics over 8 years.
  • Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease based on clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests.
  • Review of ECG and thoracic radiographs for diagnostic accuracy.

Main Results:

  • Definitive cardiovascular disease was diagnosed in 287 cats.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was the most prevalent diagnosis (67.6%).
  • Congenital cardiovascular malformations occurred in 11.8%, with ventricular septal defect (VSD) being the most common anomaly.
  • ECG and radiography showed non-specific findings but were useful for arrhythmias, cardiomegaly, and congestion.

Conclusions:

  • HCM is the leading cardiovascular disease in the studied feline population.
  • VSD is a more common congenital heart defect in cats than previously reported.
  • While ECG and radiography have limitations, they remain valuable tools in diagnosing feline heart conditions and associated complications.

More Related Videos

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease06:16

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease

Published on: August 9, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview01:17

Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview

Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...