Transient high-output heart failure documented by echocardiographic cardiac index measurement in a pregnant cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Feline Medicine
• Reproductive Physiology

Background:

• High-output heart failure (HOHF) is rare in cats.
• Pregnancy can induce significant cardiovascular changes.
• Identifying HOHF in pregnant animals is diagnostically challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a case of transient HOHF in a pregnant cat.
• To evaluate the utility of echocardiographic cardiac index measurement in diagnosing HOHF during feline pregnancy.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and management of this condition.

Main Methods:

• A pregnant cat presented with respiratory distress and pleural effusion.
• Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and measure cardiac index.
• The cat received medical treatment with furosemide and enrofloxacin.

Main Results:

• Echocardiography revealed left atrial and ventricular dilation with a markedly elevated cardiac index (0.39 L/kg/min), indicative of HOHF.
• Pleural effusion resolved during late pregnancy.
• Post-delivery, the cardiac index decreased significantly (0.22 L/kg/min).

Conclusions:

• This case represents the first documented instance of transient HOHF associated with pregnancy in a feline patient.
• Echocardiographic measurement of cardiac index is a valuable tool for identifying HOHF in pregnant cats.
• Further case accumulation is necessary to fully characterize HOHF in feline pregnancy.