Tag Archives: CHF
Why is this cat with a huge left atrium not in congestive failure?
This is a cat we saw last week. She presented for routine vaccination and was found to have a tachydysrhythmia. No hyperpnoea, no dyspnoea, outwardly well. This is her echocardiography. First, right long axis four chamber view: Her left atrium measures about 28mm (normal being <16mm). Technically, that falls into the ‘huge’ category. … Continue reading
Lung ultrasound: ‘flooding’ in fulminant pulmonary oedema in cats and a comparison with pneumonia
Pulmonary oedema in cats and dogs is typically characterised by increased ‘B lines’ (also known as ultrasound lung rockets or comet-tail artefacts). This is a feature of oedema in the broadest sense and is not specific to aetiology. Differential diagnosis of this phenomenon includes trauma, electrocution, acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute lung injury, overhydration, asthma, near-downing … Continue reading
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in congestive heart failure
It’s an observation of ours that mediastinal lymph nodes are often prominent in cats with congestive failure. This can cloud the issue of identifying the primary cause of pleural effusions. I haven’t come across a published account of this phenomenon although I doubt it’s a completely novel observation. In human medicine it’s an established feature: … Continue reading
