[Pathologic anatomical findings in 19 cats with idiopathic cardiomyopathies]

The pathological findings in nineteen cats with idiopathic cardiomyopathy are reported. The disease is marked by a usually short clinical course, often without the specific symptoms of heart failure. Some cats die suddenly. The heart usually shows dilatation, occasionally accompanied by hypertrophy. Histological findings include various degrees of degeneration, inflammation and fibrosis. Histological changes are absent in some cases. The pathogenesis is discussed. The aetiology has not been elucidated so far.