Case 29 — Heart Murmur

Nimbus, a domestic shorthair kitten.
Nimbus
Nimbus with mouth open showing pink mucous membranes.
Nimbus — note pink mucous membranes

Primary clinician: Gerhard Wess, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Supervising clinician: Mark D. Kittleson, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Signalment

  • Species: Feline
  • Breed: Domestic Shorthair
  • Age: 6 months
  • Sex: Female spayed
  • Weight: 2.8 kg
  • Name: Nimbus

Presenting Complaint

  • Heart murmur

Pertinent History

  • Nimbus was obtained from a shelter approximately 1 month ago. At the shelter, she was febrile, lethargic, and weak and was treated with antibiotics.
  • The referring veterinarian found cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs and a III/VI systolic murmur. A radiologist performed an echocardiogram and reported congenital heart disease.
  • The kitten is doing great, is very active, and has a good appetite. No coughing. Intermittent sneezing.

Physical Examination

  • General: BARH. WT = 2.8 kg. T = 101°F. P = 180. R = 40.
  • Integument: Clean coat.
  • EENT: Normal except for intermittent sneezing.
  • Musculoskeletal: BCS = 5/9.
  • Cardiovascular: IV/VI left basilar systolic ejection murmur. Strong, synchronous femoral pulses. Mucous membranes pale pink. CRT < 1 second. No jugular distension.
  • Respiratory: Eupneic. Increased bronchovesicular sounds.
  • GI: Normal.
  • GU: Normal.
  • Nervous system: No deficits noted.
  • Lymph nodes: All WNL.

Problems

  • Systolic heart murmur
  • Ultrasound report of congenital heart disease
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