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Congenital right atrial diverticulum in a kitten
B Pedro1, F Sarcinella2, C Linney3
1Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4NH, United Kingdom; Virtual Veterinary Specialists, 166 College Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1BH, United Kingdom; Hospital Veterinario do Bom Jesus, Avenida General Carrilho da Silva Pinto 52, 4715-380, Braga, Portugal.
A congenital right atrial diverticulum, a rare heart anomaly, was diagnosed in a cat. This case report details its discovery, management, and the first known occurrence in feline medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Comparative Pathology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Congenital heart anomalies in domestic animals can present subtly.
- Right atrial dilation may indicate underlying cardiac malformations.
Observation:
- A four-month-old cat without clinical signs presented with a heart murmur.
- Echocardiography revealed significant right atrial dilation.
- CT angiography identified a unique, balloon-shaped cavity connected to the right atrium.
Findings:
- The diagnosis was a congenital right atrial diverticulum, a previously unreported condition in cats.
- Medical management with clopidogrel was initiated to prevent thrombus formation.
- The cat underwent successful castration surgery.
Implications:
- This case establishes a precedent for diagnosing right atrial diverticulum in felines.
- Highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare cardiac conditions.
- Provides insights into the potential clinical course and management of this anomaly.
