Case 8 — Heart Murmur

Clinicians

Mark D. Kittleson, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM (Cardiology)

Signalment

  • Species: Feline
  • Breed: Maine coon
  • Age: 2 years
  • Sex: Female spayed
  • Weight: 4.4 kg
  • Name: Kassie

Presenting Complaint

  • Cardiac evaluation for possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart murmur)

Pertinent History

  • The referring DVM auscultated a murmur during the last yearly examination.
  • ECG from referring DVM was normal; referral radiographs showed enlarged pulmonary vasculature and generalized cardiomegaly.
  • The owner reports that Kassie is a very active cat.

Physical Examination

  • T = 101.3°F; P = 160; R = 24
  • General: QARH. BCS 5/9.
  • Integument: Thick coat; no scaling or alopecia. Lots of shedding.
  • EENT: Eyes — clear corneas and anterior chambers; very mild episcleral injection. Mild mucoid epiphora bilaterally. Ears clean. Nose moist and clean. Mouth — slight halitosis; no noticeable calculus on teeth.
  • MS: Well-muscled.
  • Cardiovascular: Mucous membranes pink and moist. CRT = 1 sec. Femoral pulses within normal limits. IV/VI right-sided systolic murmur.
  • Respiratory: Left side auscultates clear; did not check the right side.
  • GI: No masses or organomegaly. Smooth gut loops.
  • GU: Both kidneys smooth; bladder lemon-sized and smooth-walled.
  • Nervous: Not examined.
  • LN: Mandibular, prescapular, and popliteal not palpable.

Problems

  • Grade IV/VI right-sided systolic murmur
  • Cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs (historical)
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