Today’s case is a 5-year-old female neutered Tonkinese cat. The owners noted an increased respiratory rate and effort and therefore brought the cat to the local emergency service. Furosemide was administered. Post your comments!
Question: Is the cardiac silhouette enlarged?
Correct
The cardiac silhouette is taller than normal and rounded. It also occupies more than 2/3 the width of the thorax on the d/v projection.
Correct
The cardiac silhouette is taller than normal and rounded. It also occupies more than 2/3 the width of the thorax on the d/v projection.
Findings
The cardiac silhouette is markedly enlarged and rounded, occupying the entire width of the thorax on the d/v projection. The pulmonary vasculature is normal in size, and there is no evidence of interstitial or alveolar pulmonary pattern. The pleural space and mediastinum are normal.
Differential Diagnosis
Cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic, restrictive, dilated, thyrotoxic)
Pericardial effusion
No evidence of pulmonary edema
Diagnosis
Echocardiography revealed dilated cardiomyopathy.
Presumed previous heart failure resolved with diuretics