Archive Case #31: Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Clinical Clues

1. A middle-aged cat is presented for sudden onset hindlimb weakness and vocalisation.
2. The owner reports the cat was normal earlier in the day before acutely collapsing.
3. On examination the hindlimbs are cold and pulses are absent distally.
4. A gallop rhythm is auscultated over the thorax.
5. Echocardiography shows concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement.
6. A common feline myocardial disease predisposes to arterial thromboembolism and acute limb ischaemia.

Diagnosis

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

This case is most consistent with Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with aortic thromboembolism because the cat has acute hindlimb ischaemia together with structural cardiac disease. Aortic or arterial thromboembolism, including saddle thrombus, is accepted for this case. The most important clues are the absent distal pulses, cold limbs, gallop rhythm, and hypertrophied left ventricle.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.