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Double outlet right ventricle in a cat
Insights
A cat diagnosed with double outlet right ventricle, a rare congenital heart defect, survived for 3.5 years. This condition involved both major arteries originating from the right ventricle, leading to cyanosis under stress.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a complex congenital heart defect where both the aorta and pulmonary artery arise from the right ventricle.
- This condition is rare in felines and presents unique diagnostic and prognostic challenges.
Observation:
- Initial examination revealed a holosystolic murmur and right-sided heart enlargement on electrocardiography and thoracic radiography.
- Cardiac catheterization showed equal pressures between the right and left ventricles.
- Angiography demonstrated a large ventricular septal defect with a predominantly left-to-right shunt and a right-to-left component.
Findings:
- The necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of double outlet right ventricle.
- The cat survived for 3.5 years with cyanosis occurring only during stressful situations.
- The anatomical abnormality involved both the aorta and pulmonary artery originating from the right ventricle.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of long-term survival in cats with DORV despite the complex cardiac anatomy.
- Understanding the shunt dynamics and compensatory mechanisms is crucial for managing such cases.
- Provides valuable insights into feline congenital cardiovascular disease and comparative cardiology.
Abstract:
In a case of double outlet right ventricle in a cat, initial examination revealed a holosystolic murmur and right-sided heart enlargement, as deduced from electrocardiography and thoracic radiography. On cardiac catheterization, it was determined that pressure in the right ventricle equaled that of the left ventricle. Angiography revealed a large ventricular septal defect, with prodominant left-to-right shunt and some right-to-left component. The cat lived for 3 1/2 years. During this period, the cat would become cyanotic only under stressful situations. At necropsy, the diagnosis was further refined to that of a double outlet right ventricle, as both the aorta and pulmonary artery originated from the right ventricle.