Dilated cardiomyopathy in a cat: Case report

Abstract

Feline dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare disease characterized by dilation of the left ventricle lumen and decreased systolic myocardial function. The primary cause of DCM in cats was found to be taurine deficiency as a result of low taurine levels in conventional pet diets. A 10-year-old Domestic Short Hair cat was referred to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence with history of anorexia, dyspnea, open mouth breathing, and lethargy. The case was diagnosed with DCM and congestive heart failure based on the results of the radiography and echocardiographic examinations. This case report illustrates the clinical symptoms, cardiac evaluation, and DCM diagnosis in a cat.