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Cardiac malposition (ectopia cordis) in a cat
Author(s) -
Lopez Melinda M.,
Kuzma Alan B.,
Margiocco Marco L.,
Cheng Teresa,
Enberg Trevor B.,
Head Laurie
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/vec.12342
Subject(s) - medicine , pericardial effusion , venous return curve , pericardium , heart failure , thoracic cavity , pleural effusion , surgery , cardiology , diaphragmatic breathing , regurgitation (circulation) , physical examination , cardiac function curve , hemodynamics , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective To describe a case of cardiac malposition in a cat, and the successful management of the anomaly. Case Description A 2‐year‐old male neutered male British Shorthair cat weighing 7.58 kg was referred for bicavitary effusion. Ultrasonography and echocardiography demonstrated displacement of the heart into the abdomen through a diaphragmatic defect. Clinical signs of right‐sided congestive heart failure were attributed to mechanical restriction of diastolic function by a constrictive segment of fibrous pericardium and to impaired venous return due to a kink in the caudal vena cava. Surgical repositioning of the heart into the thoracic cavity and a subtotal pericardectomy were performed, and the diaphragmatic defect was repaired. The patient recovered well postoperatively. New or Unique Information Provided The diagnosis and management of cardiac malposition has not been previously described in cats. With timely diagnosis and surgical intervention, a favorable outcome is possible.