Feline Hyperthrophic Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

What is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by?

Answer 1

*left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired myocardial relaxation

Question 2

What is the decreased in chamber compliance a result of?

Answer 2

Tissue fibrosis, myocytes disarray and increased in ventricular mass
*Pressure starts to increase in the left atrium leading to atrial enlargement

Question 3

What does the impediment of normal left atrial flow predispose the cat to?

Answer 3

Circulatory stasis, thromboembolism, pulmonary congestion and edema, and pleural effusion

Question 4

What are the goals of medical management for these cats?

Answer 4

Improve diastolic function, reduce myocardial ischemia, alleviate circulatory congestion and hypoxemia, suppress life threatening arrhythmias

Question 5

Treatment for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Answer 5

• Need to help heart relax and increase coronary blood flow
  1. Calcium channel blocker: diltiazem
  2. Diuretics: furosemide to decrease pulmonary congestion
  3. Vasodilator: nitroglycerin ointment to relieve edema and dilate coronary arteries
• Supplmental oxygen and thoracocentesis
• If not improved: ACE inhibitor (enalapril or Benazepril) may be needed
• if persistent tachycardia: need beta blockers
• propranolol or atenolol
• watch for profound hypotension