Presentation

Signalment:

• Usually middle aged to older adults
• Burmese, Siamese, and Abyssinians may be predisposed.

History:

• The first sign of underlying heart disease may be the development of a sudden thromboembolic event to one of the limbs (usually both hind limbs).
• Dyspnea is the most frequent complaint
• Syncope is an infrequent presenting sign
• Anorexia, lethargy, and/or sometimes vomiting may be noted
• These signs usually are noted to have a recent onset prior to presentation

Physical Examination:

• Marked dyspnea is usually present (due to pulmonary edema or pleural effusion)
• All the possible findings of congestive heart failure of Clinical Evaluation of Heart Disease
• Ascites which is common in dogs, tends to be rare in cats
• Gallop rhythms are more common in cats
• Heart murmur of A-V valve insufficiency is common
• Dysrhythmias tend to be more uncommon than in dogs
• Due to the pleural effusion, heart sounds may be muffled
• Hypothermia tends to be common
• Evidence of thromboembolism may be noted (see below)