Listen
In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Andrea C. Eriksson De Rezende, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in a Cat.” Dr. Eriksson De Rezende covers a variety of presentations; the full list of diagnostics, including NT-proBNP; the virtues of sedation; and therapies that range from the mainstays to the new drug sirolimus. Following this case-based exercise, they go well beyond the basics when it comes to HCM and thromboembolic disease in cats.
Watch
Key Takeaways
Although the classical presentation is acute onset of painful, cold, nonmotile pelvic limbs, some cats with thromboembolic disease can display behavioral changes or temporary thoracic limb lameness. Clients should be advised that subtle or seemingly unrelated symptoms can be serious.
In cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, slow-moving blood can lead to thrombus formation in the left atrium and auricle, which looks like smoke on an echo.
Chest radiography and NT-proBNP level measurement can be useful screening tools in cats with murmurs or rhythm abnormalities.
It’s better to sedate than resuscitate: Pre-visit gabapentin, or even buprenorphine, and injectable butorphanol can prevent patient stress from becoming a life-threatening problem.
Clopidogrel and Factor Xa-inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment to prevent further thrombus formation, with drugs like enalapril, atenolol, pimobendan, and sirolimus only being used in certain situations.
Contact:
Where To Find Us:
Website: CliniciansBrief.com/Podcasts
YouTube: Youtube.com/@clinicians_brief
Facebook: Facebook.com/CliniciansBrief
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/showcase/CliniciansBrief/
Instagram: @Clinicians.Brief
The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist