Non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy in 2 cats

Abstract

Feline dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare disease characterized by myocardial failure and systolic dysfunction. Taurine deficiency is the most important cause of DCM phenotype in cats. A 2 year-old Scottish fold and a 8 month-old domestic shorthair cat were referred to hospital with anorexia, weakness and increased respiratory effort. Based on electrocardiographic, radiographic and echocardiographic findings, the both cases were diagnosed with DCM. The cases were managed with pimobendan, furosemide, acetylsalicylic acid and taurine. The cats were more active and clinically healthy during 15 days follow-up. No remarkable changes were observed in follow up echocardiographies. The cases presented here reflect the clinical signs, cardiological examination findings, diagnosis and management of idiopathic DCMin 2 cats.

Keywords

• cat
• dilated cardiomyopathy
• taurine

References

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