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The Feline Cardiomyopathies: 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Mark D Kittleson1, Etienne Côté2
1School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, and Veterinary Information Network, 777 West Covell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|October 25, 2021
Summary
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats is common but often subclinical. Severe cases can lead to heart failure or arterial thromboembolism (ATE), with a poor prognosis despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Feline Medicine
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent feline cardiomyopathy, affecting up to 15% of domestic cats, often subclinically.
- While severe forms leading to heart failure or arterial thromboembolism (ATE) are less common, they significantly impact prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating this complex cardiac condition in cats.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and diagnostic approaches for feline HCM.
- Analysis of pathological mechanisms, including systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) and diastolic dysfunction.
- Evaluation of current treatment strategies for heart failure and ATE prevention.
Main Results:
- Feline HCM affects cats of all ages, breeds, and sexes, with higher prevalence in males and domestic shorthairs.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, especially for mild to moderate cases, often requiring exclusion of other conditions.
- Diastolic dysfunction is the primary driver of clinical signs, with treatments targeting heart failure and ATE prevention.
Conclusions:
- Most cats with HCM remain asymptomatic, but a significant minority develop severe clinical signs with a poor prognosis.
- The underlying cause of HCM in most cats remains unknown, and current treatments do not reverse or slow the disease progression.
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