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Kelly-Bosma M, Henning J, Haworth M, Ploeg R, Woolford L, Neef A, Das S, Allavena R. A Multicentre Epidemiologic Study of Sudden and Unexpected Death in Adult Cats and Dogs in Australia. Vet Sci 2023; 10:582. [PMID: 37756104 PMCID: PMC10535394 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden and unexpected death (SUD) is a common reason for animals to undergo post-mortem examination. There is limited literature examining the causes of SUD in cats and dogs, and no research specific to Australia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and pathology of SUD in cats and dogs in a multicentric study across Australia. Retrospective post-mortem reports of SUD in cats and dogs were obtained from four veterinary schools in Australia distributed across four states. The frequency of SUD between institutes ranged from 2.1% to 6.5%. Dogs composed the majority of the study population (76%), and males outnumbered females, particularly in the feline subpopulation. After necropsy, 37% of SUD remained cause unknown, the largest category in both cats and dogs. When cause was identified, cardiovascular disease was most common in both species, followed by gastrointestinal disease in dogs, and trauma in cats. In dogs, multinomial logistic regression identified age as a risk factor significantly associated with the four largest categories of SUD. This study identified causes of SUD in Australian cats and dogs, including novel causes not previously reported. Further, this study revealed a higher rate of unsolved SUD in Australia than can be found in the literature from other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirrim Kelly-Bosma
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia (R.A.)
| | - Joerg Henning
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia (R.A.)
| | - Mark Haworth
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia (R.A.)
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Alison Neef
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Shubhagata Das
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Rachel Allavena
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia (R.A.)
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Cheng WC, Lawson C, Liu HH, Wilkie L, Dobromylskyj M, Luis Fuentes V, Dudhia J, Connolly DJ. Exploration of Mediators Associated with Myocardial Remodelling in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2112. [PMID: 37443910 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects both humans and cats and exhibits considerable interspecies similarities that are exemplified by underlying pathological processes and clinical presentation to the extent that developments in the human field may have direct relevance to the feline disease. Characteristic changes on histological examination include cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial and replacement fibrosis. Clinically, HCM is characterised by significant diastolic dysfunction due to a reduction in ventricular compliance and relaxation associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and the development of ventricular hypertrophy. Studies in rodent models and human HCM patients have identified key protein mediators implicated in these pathological changes, including lumican, lysyl oxidase and TGF-β isoforms. We therefore sought to quantify and describe the cellular location of these mediators in the left ventricular myocardium of cats with HCM and investigate their relationship with the quantity and structural composition of the ECM. We identified increased myocardial content of lumican, LOX and TGF-β2 mainly attributed to their increased expression within cardiomyocytes in HCM cats compared to control cats. Furthermore, we found strong correlations between the expressions of these mediators that is compatible with their role as important components of cellular pathways promoting remodelling of the left ventricular myocardium. Fibrosis and hypertrophy are important pathological changes in feline HCM, and a greater understanding of the mechanisms driving this pathology may facilitate the identification of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ching Cheng
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Charlotte Lawson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Hui-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Lois Wilkie
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | | | - Virginia Luis Fuentes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jayesh Dudhia
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David J Connolly
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Novo Matos J, Sargent J, Silva J, Payne JR, Seo J, Spalla I, Borgeat K, Loureiro J, Pereira N, Simcock IC, Hutchinson JC, Arthurs OJ, Luis Fuentes V. Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments in cats with cardiomyopathy. J Vet Cardiol 2023; 46:5-17. [PMID: 36893525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments (THyMS) represent adverse ventricular (LV) remodeling in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe the echocardiographic features and outcome in cats with THyMS, and in a subpopulation, the echocardiographic phenotype before LV wall thinning was detected (pre-THyMS). ANIMALS Eighty client-owned cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective multicenter study. Clinical records were searched for cats with THyMS, defined as LV segment(s) with end-diastolic wall thickness (LVWT) <3 mm and hypokinesis in the presence of ≥one LV segment(s) with LVWT >4 mm and normal wall motion. When available, echocardiograms pre-THyMS were assessed. Survival time was defined as time from first presentation with THyMS to death. RESULTS Mean thickest LV wall segment (MaxLVWT) was 6.1 mm (95% CI 5.8-6.4 mm) and thinnest (MinLVWT) was 1.7 mm (95% CI 1.6-1.9 mm). The LV free wall was affected in 74%, apex in 13% and septum in 5%. Most cats (85%) presented with heart failure and/or arterial thromboembolism. Median circulating troponin I concentration was 1.4 ng/mL ([range 0.07-180 ng/mL]). Prior echocardiography results were available for 13/80 cats, a mean of 2.5 years pre-THyMS. In segments subsequently undergoing thinning, initial MaxLVWT measured 6.7 mm (95% CI 5.8-7.7 mm) vs. 1.9 mm (95% CI 1.5-2.4 mm) at last echocardiogram (P<0.0001). Survival data were available for 56/80 cats, median survival time after diagnosing THyMS was 153 days (95% CI 83-223 days). Cardiac histopathology in one cat revealed that THyMS was associated with severe transmural scarring. CONCLUSIONS Cats with THyMS had advanced cardiomyopathy and a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Novo Matos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, Cambridge, UK; Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, London, UK.
| | - J Sargent
- Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Unit 6, Forest Corner Farm, Hangersley, BH24 3JW, Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
| | - J Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, Cambridge, UK; North Downs Specialist Referrals, The Friesian Buildings 3 & 4, Brewer Street, RH1 4QP, Bletchingley, Surrey, UK
| | - J R Payne
- Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, University of Bristol, Langford House, BS40 5DU, Langford, UK
| | - J Seo
- Animal Referral Centre, 224 Albany Highway, Schnapper Rock, 0632, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - I Spalla
- Ospedale Veterinario San Francesco, Via Feltrina, 29, 31038, Castagnole, Milan, Italy
| | - K Borgeat
- Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, University of Bristol, Langford House, BS40 5DU, Langford, UK
| | - J Loureiro
- North Downs Specialist Referrals, The Friesian Buildings 3 & 4, Brewer Street, RH1 4QP, Bletchingley, Surrey, UK
| | - N Pereira
- Freelance Cardiology, Salstrasse 92, 8400, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - I C Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - J C Hutchinson
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - O J Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3JH, London, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - V Luis Fuentes
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, London, UK
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Walker AL, Ueda Y, Crofton AE, Harris SP, Stern JA. Ambulatory electrocardiography, heart rate variability, and pharmacologic stress testing in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1963. [PMID: 35121794 PMCID: PMC8817045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05999-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) to evaluate cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) for arrhythmias and heart rate variability (HRV) is not well defined but may provide information regarding risk stratification. This prospective study used AECG to evaluate ectopy and HRV in subclinical HCM cats compared to healthy controls and is the first to implement a pharmacologic cardiac stress test. Twenty-three purpose-bred, Maine coon cross cats (16 HCM, 7 control) underwent 48-h of continuous AECG. Terbutaline (0.2-0.3 mg/kg) was administered orally at 24 and 36 h. Heart rate, ectopy frequency and complexity and HRV parameters, including standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), were compared pre-terbutaline and post-terbutaline and across phenotype, genotype and sex. Genotype for an HCM-causative mutation was significantly associated with the frequency of supraventricular (P = 0.033) and ventricular (P = 0.026) ectopy across all cats. Seven HCM cats and zero healthy cats had a sinus arrhythmia. Mean heart rate was significantly higher post-terbutaline (p < 0.0001). HCM cats had significantly greater HRV compared to controls (SDNN: p = 0.0006). Male cats had significantly higher HRV (SDNN: p = 0.0001) and lower mean heart rates (p = 0.0001). HRV decreased post-terbutaline (SDNN: p = 0.0008) and changes in HRV observed between sexes were attenuated by terbutaline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Walker
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-8732, USA
| | - Yu Ueda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Amanda E Crofton
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-8732, USA
| | - Samantha P Harris
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2108 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA, 95616-8732, USA.
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Novo Matos J, Payne JR, Seo J, Luis Fuentes V. Natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats from rehoming centers: The CatScan II study. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1900-1912. [PMID: 36315028 PMCID: PMC9708425 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The natural history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats has been mainly studied in cats referred for suspected heart disease, which can skew the results towards cats with clinical signs. Few data are available on factors associated with development of HCM in cats. HYPOTHESES (1) Clinical variables can predict which cats will develop HCM; (2) HCM in cats not referred for suspected heart disease is associated with a low rate of cardiovascular events. ANIMALS One hundred seven cats from rehoming centers without a history of clinical signs of cardiac or systemic disease at the time of adoption. METHODS Prospective longitudinal study. After rehoming, shelter cats were reexamined for serial echocardiograms. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of development of HCM in cats that were normal at baseline. Adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, thromboembolism, or sudden death were recorded. RESULTS Cats were monitored for a median of 5.6 [1.2-9.2] years. At baseline, 68/107 cats were normal, 18/107 were equivocal and 21/107 had HCM. Nineteen cats developed HCM during the study period. The factors at baseline associated with increased hazard of developing HCM were lower left atrial fractional shortening, higher left ventricular fractional shortening, and higher body weight. Cardiovascular events were observed in 21% of cats with HCM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Cardiovascular events were common in cats with HCM from a rehoming center study sample. Lower left atrial systolic function appears to precede overt HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Novo Matos
- Clinical Science and ServicesRoyal Veterinary CollegeHertfordshireUK
| | - Jessie Rose Payne
- Langford Vets Small Animal Referral HospitalUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Joonbum Seo
- Animal Referral CentreAucklandNew Zealand,School of Veterinary ScienceMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
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Borgeat K, Pack M, Harris J, Laver A, Seo J, Belachsen O, Hannabuss J, Todd J, Ferasin L, Payne JR. Prevalence of sudden cardiac death in dogs with atrial fibrillation. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2588-2595. [PMID: 34750853 PMCID: PMC8692199 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in humans, independent of secondary risk factors such as thrombogenic disorders. In dogs, SCD is described in a number of heart diseases, but an association between AF and SCD is unreported. Hypothesis (a) A higher proportion of dogs with AF will experience SCD, and (b) SCD will be associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias. Animals One‐hundred forty‐two dogs with AF, and 127 dogs without AF. Methods Retrospective, multicenter, case‐control study. Dogs included in the AF group were compared to a control group of dogs in sinus rhythm, matched for echocardiographic diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were used to identify proportions of each group suffering SCD, compared using chi‐squared testing. Risk factors for SCD in dogs with AF were evaluated at the univariable and multivariable level using binary logistic regression. Significance was P < .05. Results A significantly higher proportion of dogs with AF suffered SCD than dogs in the control group (14.8% vs 5.5%; P = .01). Younger age at diagnosis, larger left atrial size, and a history of syncope all were independent predictors of SCD in dogs with AF (χ2, 16.3; P = .04). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Atrial fibrillation was associated with a higher prevalence of SCD in dogs. A history of syncope may be a useful predictor of SCD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Borgeat
- Small Animal Hospital, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Pack
- Small Animal Hospital, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Joonbum Seo
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Omri Belachsen
- Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Hannabuss
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Todd
- Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Ferasin
- Specialist Veterinary Cardiology Consultancy, Alton, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie Rose Payne
- Small Animal Hospital, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Dobromylskyj MJ, Little CJ. Necropsy findings in a cat with diabetes mellitus and heart failure. JFMS Open Rep 2021; 7:20551169211055383. [PMID: 34707882 PMCID: PMC8544778 DOI: 10.1177/20551169211055383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 7-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat, previously diagnosed and treated for diabetes mellitus (DM), subsequently presented in heart failure (HF). Echocardiography revealed biatrial and biventricular dilation with poor myocardial function, and a left atrial-to-aortic ratio of 1.95:1. There was caudal vena cava dilation, hepatomegaly and ascites. The HF was treated with furosemide for 5 weeks, but thereafter the cat presented recumbent and moribund, and was euthanased. Post-mortem findings included dilation of all four cardiac chambers with an increased heart weight. Microscopic examination of the heart revealed mild, predominantly interstitial or perivascular fibrosis throughout most of the myocardium, with small-to-medium-sized foci of replacement fibrosis within the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum. There was evidence of myocyte degeneration, but myofibre disarray was mild and there was minimal evidence of inflammation. Relevance and novel information Cardiac disease is common in cats and while HF is less common, it is a frequent cause of clinical signs and death. DM is a relatively common feline endocrinopathy. This case report describes DM and HF presenting as comorbidities, including detailed ante- and post-mortem findings. The case, and the epidemiology of these conditions, raise the question of whether a form of diabetic cardiomyopathy exists in cats, as it appears to do in humans.
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE The feline cardiomyopathies are the most prevalent type of heart disease in adult domestic cats. Several forms have been identified (see Parts 2 and 3), with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) being the most common. Clinically the cardiomyopathies are often indistinguishable. Cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy may or may not have characteristic physical examination findings (eg, heart murmur, gallop sound), or radiographic cardiomegaly. Cats with severe disease may develop signs of heart failure (eg, dyspnea, tachypnea) or systemic arterial thromboembolism (ATE; eg, pain and paralysis). Sudden death is possible. Treatment usually does not alter the progression from subclinical to clinical disease and often the treatment approach, once clinical signs are apparent, is the same regardless of the type of cardiomyopathy. However, differentiating cardiomyopathy from normal variation may be important prognostically. PATIENT GROUP Domestic cats of any age from 3 months upward, of either sex and of any breed, can be affected. Mixed-breed cats are most commonly affected but certain breeds are disproportionately prone to developing HCM. DIAGNOSTICS Subclinical feline cardiomyopathies may be suspected based on physical examination findings, thoracic radiographs and cardiac biomarker results but often the disease is clinically silent. The definitive clinical confirmatory test is echocardiography. Left heart failure (pulmonary edema and/or pleural effusion) is most commonly diagnosed radiographically, but point-of-care ultrasound and amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) biomarker testing can also be useful, especially when the stress of taking radiographs is best avoided. KEY FINDINGS Knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms helps the practitioner identify the feline cardiomyopathies and understand how these diseases progress and how they manifest clinically (heart failure, ATE). Existing diagnostic tests have strengths and limitations, and being aware of these can help a practitioner deliver optimal recommendations regarding referral. CONCLUSIONS Several types of feline cardiomyopathies exist in both subclinical (mild to severe disease) and clinical (severe disease) phases. Heart failure and ATE are the most common clinical manifestations of severe cardiomyopathy and are therapeutic targets regardless of the type of cardiomyopathy. The long-term prognosis is often guarded or poor once overt clinical manifestations are present. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY Some cats with presumed cardiomyopathy do not have echocardiographic features that fit the classic cardiomyopathies (cardiomyopathy - nonspecific phenotype). Although no definitive treatment is usually available, understanding how cardiomyopathies evolve remains worthy of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Kittleson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, and Veterinary Information Network, 777 West Covell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Etienne Côté
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Immunohistological Evaluation of Von Willebrand Factor in the Left Atrial Endocardium and Atrial Thrombi from Cats with Cardiomyopathy. ANIMALS : AN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL FROM MDPI 2021. [PMID: 33925795 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051240.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aortic thromboembolism (ATE) occurs in cats with cardiomyopathy and often results in euthanasia due to poor prognosis. However, the underlying predisposing mechanisms leading to left atrial (LA) thrombus formation are not fully characterised. von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a marker of endothelium and shows increased expression following endothelial injury. In people with poor LA function and LA remodelling, vWF has been implicated in the development of LA thrombosis. In this study we have shown (1) the expression of endocardial vWF protein detected using immunohistofluorescence was elevated in cats with cardiomyopathy, LA enlargement (LAE) and clinical signs compared to cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy and control cats; (2) vWF was present at the periphery of microthrombi and macrothrombi within the LA where they come into contact with the LA endocardium and (3) vWF was integral to the structure of the macrothrombi retrieved from the atria. These results provide evidence for damage of the endocardial endothelium in the remodelled LA and support a role for endocardial vWF as a pro-thrombotic substrate potentially contributing to the development of ATE in cats with underlying cardiomyopathy and LAE. Results from this naturally occurring feline model may inform research into human thrombogenesis.
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10
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Immunohistological Evaluation of Von Willebrand Factor in the Left Atrial Endocardium and Atrial Thrombi from Cats with Cardiomyopathy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051240. [PMID: 33925795 PMCID: PMC8146606 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) is very common in the domestic cat and may result in several severe outcomes. These include formation of a thrombus in the left atrium which migrates to the hindlimb cutting off the blood supply, a condition called aortic thromboembolism. Affected cats present with hindlimb paralysis and extreme pain, often requiring euthanasia on humane grounds. Several factors are known to predispose to thrombus formation, including damage to the inner cellular lining of the atrium which exposes proteins that initiates thrombosis. We studied the expression of one such protein called von Willebrand Factor in the left atrium of cats with and without cardiomyopathies and at different stages of disease severity. We found that expression increased in cats with advance disease. Obtaining a greater understanding of the role this protein has in thrombus formation may allow development of novel antithrombotic agents to help prevent this devastating consequence of feline cardiomyopathy. Abstract Aortic thromboembolism (ATE) occurs in cats with cardiomyopathy and often results in euthanasia due to poor prognosis. However, the underlying predisposing mechanisms leading to left atrial (LA) thrombus formation are not fully characterised. von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a marker of endothelium and shows increased expression following endothelial injury. In people with poor LA function and LA remodelling, vWF has been implicated in the development of LA thrombosis. In this study we have shown (1) the expression of endocardial vWF protein detected using immunohistofluorescence was elevated in cats with cardiomyopathy, LA enlargement (LAE) and clinical signs compared to cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy and control cats; (2) vWF was present at the periphery of microthrombi and macrothrombi within the LA where they come into contact with the LA endocardium and (3) vWF was integral to the structure of the macrothrombi retrieved from the atria. These results provide evidence for damage of the endocardial endothelium in the remodelled LA and support a role for endocardial vWF as a pro-thrombotic substrate potentially contributing to the development of ATE in cats with underlying cardiomyopathy and LAE. Results from this naturally occurring feline model may inform research into human thrombogenesis.
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Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Robert N, Meier RK, Zürcher-Giovannini S, Pewsner M, Ryser A, Breitenmoser U, Kovacevic A, Origgi FC. Cardiomyopathy Associated With Coronary Arteriosclerosis in Free-Ranging Eurasian Lynx ( Lynx lynx carpathicus). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:594952. [PMID: 33409296 PMCID: PMC7779598 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.594952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian lynx (subspecies Lynx lynx carpathicus) was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970's. Health monitoring of the reintroduced population started in the late 1980's. Since then, six lynx have been found affected by a myocardial disease. The earliest case was an animal that died after a field anesthesia. Two lynx were found dead, two were euthanized/culled because of disease signs, and one was hit by car. Two had a heart murmur at clinical examination. At necropsy, the first animal showed only lung edema but the other five had cardiomegaly associated with myocardial fibrosis. Three had multisystemic effusions. Histological examination of all six lynx showed mild to severe, multifocal, myocardial interstitial and perivascular fibrosis along with multifocal myocyte degeneration and loss, and replacement fibrosis. Moderate to severe multifocal arteriosclerosis with associated luminal stenosis of the small and medium-sized intramural coronary arteries and the presence of Anitschkow cells was also observed. The heart lesions may have led to sudden death in the first case and to a chronic right-sided heart failure in the remaining. None of the lynx showed lesions or signs suggestive of an acute or subacute infection. Given the common geographic origin of these animals and the severe loss of heterozygocity in this population, a genetic origin of the disease is hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Robert
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roman Kaspar Meier
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mirjam Pewsner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Alan Kovacevic
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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van Hoek I, Hodgkiss-Geere H, Bode EF, Hamilton-Elliott J, Mõtsküla P, Palermo V, Pereira YM, Culshaw GJ, Laxalde J, Dukes-McEwan J. Association of diet with left ventricular wall thickness, troponin I and IGF-1 in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2197-2210. [PMID: 33118674 PMCID: PMC7694815 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (sHCM) have elevated serum insulin and serum amyloid A concentrations correlating with the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. Diet might affect these and other cardiac variables. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effect of a complete, balanced diet with restricted starch and supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) on echocardiographic variables and cardiac biomarkers in cats with sHCM. ANIMALS Forty-four client-owned cats with sHCM. METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study enrolled cats with end-diastole interventricular septum thickness (IVSd) or left ventricular wall thickness (LVWd) ≥6 mm, or both. Nonsedated, fasted cats were examined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of Test (restricted starch and EPA + DHA supplements) (n = 23) or Control (unrestricted starch without EPA + DHA supplementation) (n = 21) diet. Assessments included auscultation, body weight, body condition score, echocardiography and blood analysis. Linear and generalized mixed models analyzed diet, time and diet * time interactions (5% significance level). RESULTS No differences between diet groups were significant for any variable at any timepoint. There were significant decreases in the Test but not Control group in maximum IVSd (P = .03), maximum LVWd (P = .02) and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels (P = .04) after 12 months, and in ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (P = .001) after 6 months; effect sizes (95% confidence interval) were 0.53 (0.09; 0.99), 0.63 (0.18; 1.09), 0.61 (0.16; 1.07), and 0.37 (-0.06; 0.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Cats with sHCM fed Test diet had significant decreases in echocardiographic variables of sHCM and in cTnI and IGF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Hodgkiss-Geere
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth F Bode
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Hamilton-Elliott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Mõtsküla
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | | | | | | | - Joanna Dukes-McEwan
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
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13
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Ferasin L, Ferasin H, Borgeat K. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory (Holter) electrocardiographic findings in 13 cats with non-hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Vet J 2020; 264:105537. [PMID: 33012440 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Detection and characterisation of cardiac arrhythmias in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has already been documented in various studies. However, similar studies have not been reported for other forms of feline cardiomyopathy. The clinical records of 13 client-owned cats diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and non-specific cardiomyopathy (NSCM) that underwent Holter recording at the time of diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively. Eight cats had signs of congestive heart failure at presentation, one cat had a history of recurrent syncope and the remaining four cats were asymptomatic. The average heart rate was 138 ± 22 (range 97-181) beats per minute (bpm) with the lowest value (97 bpm) recorded in a cat with third degree atrioventricular block (3-AVB) and the highest value (181 bpm) observed in a cat with atrial fibrillation (AF). The median number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) over 24 h was 2031 (338-8305), mostly represented by single isolated VPCs (803, 123-2221). Cardiac pauses were observed in three cats, with the longest pause lasting more than 6 s. A survival analysis was not performed due to the small number of cats and limited follow-up information. Holter recording revealed cardiac arrhythmias in all 13 cats, while 8/13 cats (61.5%) had an unremarkable resting electrocardiogram (ECG). The average daily heart rate in these cats did not appear affected by the presence of heart failure, although periods of sinus arrhythmia were absent in all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ferasin
- Specialist Veterinary Cardiology Consultancy Ltd, Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
| | - H Ferasin
- Specialist Veterinary Cardiology Consultancy Ltd, Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| | - K Borgeat
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Somerset, United Kingdom
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14
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Liu M, Köster LS, Fosgate GT, Chadwick CC, Sanz-González Í, Eckersall PD, Wotton PR, French AT. Cardiovascular-renal axis disorder and acute-phase proteins in cats with congestive heart failure caused by primary cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1078-1090. [PMID: 32395893 PMCID: PMC7255652 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE To identify novel biomarkers for CHF in cats caused by primary cardiomyopathy, particularly related to cardiovascular-renal axis disorder and systemic inflammatory response. ANIMALS Twenty-five cats in CHF caused by primary cardiomyopathy, 12 cats with preclinical cardiomyopathy, and 20 healthy controls. METHODS Case control and observational case series. The following serum biomarkers were compared among the 3 cat groups: a cardiorenal profile that included N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and creatinine and an inflammatory profile that included 7 acute-phase proteins (APPs). Survival analyses and longitudinal studies were performed in CHF cats. RESULTS All cardiorenal biomarkers were positively correlated and higher in CHF cats, and high NT-proBNP and SDMA were associated with poor clinical outcome. Cats with CHF had significantly higher leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, serum amyloid A, and ceruloplasmin, and these APPs were positively correlated with NT-proBNP and left atrial size. In a multivariable survival analysis, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentration (P = .01), body weight (P = .02) and left atrial-to-aortic root ratio (P = .01) were independent prognostic factors for CHF in these cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE In cats, CHF is an inflammatory disorder and outcome in CHF may be determined by the extent of inflammation and possibly the amount of residual renal function. These novel biomarkers have potential use for the clinical management, prognosis, and future research into CHF and cardiomyopathy in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Liza S Köster
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Fosgate
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | | | - Íñigo Sanz-González
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter David Eckersall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul R Wotton
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anne T French
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
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15
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Luis Fuentes V, Abbott J, Chetboul V, Côté E, Fox PR, Häggström J, Kittleson MD, Schober K, Stern JA. ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1062-1077. [PMID: 32243654 PMCID: PMC7255676 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders of mostly unknown etiology, and they occur commonly in cats. In some cats, they are well‐tolerated and are associated with normal life expectancy, but in other cats they can result in congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death. Cardiomyopathy classification in cats can be challenging, and in this consensus statement we outline a classification system based on cardiac structure and function (phenotype). We also introduce a staging system for cardiomyopathy that includes subdivision of cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy into those at low risk of life‐threatening complications and those at higher risk. Based on the available literature, we offer recommendations for the approach to diagnosis and staging of cardiomyopathies, as well as for management at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Luis Fuentes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Abbott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Valérie Chetboul
- Alfort Cardiology Unit (UCA), Université Paris-Est, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire d'Alfort (CHUVA), Maisons-Alfort cedex, France
| | - Etienne Côté
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | | | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mark D Kittleson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karsten Schober
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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16
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Gil-Ortuño C, Sebastián-Marcos P, Sabater-Molina M, Nicolas-Rocamora E, Gimeno-Blanes JR, Fernández Del Palacio MJ. Genetics of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Clin Genet 2020; 98:203-214. [PMID: 32215921 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by an abnormal increase in myocardial mass that affects cardiac structure and function. HCM is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease in humans (0.2%) and the most common cardiovascular disease in cats (14.7%). Feline HCM phenotype is very similar to the phenotype found in humans, but the time frame for the development of the disease is significantly shorter. Similar therapeutic agents are used in its treatment and it has the same complications, such as heart failure, thromboembolism and sudden cardiac death. In contrast to humans, in whom thousands of genetic variants have been identified, genetic studies in cats have been limited to fragment analysis of two sarcomeric genes identifying two variants in MYBPC3 and one in MYH7. Two of these variants have also been associated with human disease. The high prevalence of the reported variants in non-affected cats hinders the assumption of their pathogenicity in heterozygotes. An in-depth review of the literature about genetic studies on feline HCM in comparison with the same disease in humans is presented here. The close similarity in the phenotype and genotype between cats and humans makes the cat an excellent model for the pathophysiological study of the disease and future therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gil-Ortuño
- Cardiogenetic Laboratory, Inherited Cardiac Disease Unit, IMIB University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - María Sabater-Molina
- Cardiogenetic Laboratory, Inherited Cardiac Disease Unit, IMIB University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB, Murcia, Spain.,Internal Medicine Department, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elisa Nicolas-Rocamora
- Cardiogenetic Laboratory, Inherited Cardiac Disease Unit, IMIB University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan R Gimeno-Blanes
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Cardiology, Inherited Cardiac Disease Unit, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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17
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Anatomical variations and pathological changes in the hearts of free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Finland. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1350-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) despite the wide distribution has fragmented populations with possibly decreased genetic variability. Reports from Central Europe have raised cardiac health as possible risk factor for lynx populations. The knowledge on normal anatomic variations of lynx heart is crucial to assess emerging pathological or hereditary disorders. The aim of this study was to give a detailed description of the cardiac anatomy and circulation of the Eurasian lynx and to report the cardiac health of the lynx in Finland. The cardiac anatomy and pathology were studied post mortem from 63 legally hunted lynx. In general, the cardiac anatomy of Eurasian lynx corresponded with that described for other felids. In the ventricles, varying number of thin ventricular bands was a common feature and their histological appearance was characterized by a fibromuscular pattern. The size of the heart varied between males and females, but the relative size was similar to that described for most domesticated carnivores. No marked pathologic lesions were observed in the lynx hearts. Fibrosis was observed in 56% of the hearts, but it was focal and mild in degree and unlikely to affect cardiac function or to have clinical significance. In conclusion, the cardiac health of the Finnish Eurasian lynx population is good with no signs of heritable cardiac disorders. Furthermore, we were able to give a detailed anatomic description of the lynx heart, which can serve as a reference for further epidemiological investigations on cardiac diseases in lynx populations.
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18
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Loughran KA, Rush JE, Rozanski EA, Oyama MA, Larouche-Lebel É, Kraus MS. The use of focused cardiac ultrasound to screen for occult heart disease in asymptomatic cats. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1892-1901. [PMID: 31317580 PMCID: PMC6766524 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) helps detect occult heart disease in human patients. Hypothesis Focused cardiac ultrasound by a nonspecialist practitioner (NSP) will increase the detection of occult heart disease in asymptomatic cats compared with physical examination and ECG. Animals Three hundred forty‐three client‐owned cats: 54 excluded and 289 analyzed. Methods Multicenter prospective cohort study. Twenty‐two NSPs were trained to perform FCU. Cats without clinical signs of heart disease were recruited, and NSPs performed the following in sequential order: physical examination, ECG, FCU, and point‐of‐care N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide assay (POC‐BNP). After each step, NSPs indicated yes, no, or equivocal as to whether they believed heart disease was present. The level of agreement between the NSP diagnosis and a blinded cardiologist's diagnosis after echocardiogram was evaluated using Cohen's kappa test. Results Cardiologist diagnoses included 148 normal cats, 102 with heart disease, and 39 equivocal ones. Agreement between NSP and cardiologist was slight after physical examination (kappa 0.253 [95% CI, 0.172‐0.340]), did not increase after ECG (0.256 [0.161‐0.345]; P = .96), increased after FCU (0.468 [0.376‐0.558]; P = .002), and the level of agreement was similar after POC‐BNP (0.498 [0.419‐0.580]; P = .67). In cats with mild, moderate, and marked occult heart disease, the proportion of cats having a NSP diagnosis of heart disease after FCU was 45.6%, 93.1%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Focused cardiac ultrasound performed by NSPs increased the detection of occult heart disease, especially in cats with moderate to marked disease. Focused cardiac ultrasound appears to be a feasible and useful tool to assist NSPs in the detection of heart disease in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Loughran
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John E Rush
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Rozanski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Mark A Oyama
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Éva Larouche-Lebel
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc S Kraus
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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19
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A feline orthologue of the human MYH7 c.5647G>A (p.(Glu1883Lys)) variant causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a Domestic Shorthair cat. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:1724-1730. [PMID: 31164718 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited human heart disease. The same disease has a high prevalence in cats, where it is also suspected to be inherited. More than 1500 variants in MYBPC3, MYH7 and other sarcomeric genes are associated with human HCM, while in cats, only two causative variants in MYBPC3 are currently known. Here, we describe an adult Domestic Shorthair cat with arterial thromboembolism and heart failure that was diagnosed with HCM on necropsy. Sequencing of the coding regions of MYBPC3 and MYH7 revealed 21 variants, of which the MYH7 c.5647G>A (p.(Glu1883Lys)) variant was further analysed, because its orthologous variant had already been reported in a human patient with HCM, but with limited causal evidence. This variant affects the highly conserved assembly competence domain, is predicted in silico to be damaging and was found only once in population databases. Recently, functional studies have confirmed its predicted damaging effect and a paralogous variant in MYH6 has been associated with cardiac disease in humans as well. This report of an orthologous variant in a cat with HCM and its absence in 200 additional cats provides further evidence for its disease-causing nature. As the first report of feline HCM caused by a variant in MYH7, this study also emphasises this gene as a candidate gene for future studies in cats and highlights the similarity between human and feline HCM.
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20
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Withoeft JA, Cristo TG, Biezus G, Costa LS, Pont TPD, Freitas AC, Traverso SD, Casagrande RA. Causes of death and euthanasia in domestic cats in the Santa Catarina plateau (1995-2015). PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Knowledge about the causes of death in felines constitutes important information to owners, veterinarians, and researchers, aiming at reducing the number of deaths in this species. In order to determine the main causes of death or euthanasia in cats in the Santa Catarina plateau, data from 1995 to 2015 available in necropsy files of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology (LAPA) of the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC) were collected and evaluated. In that period, 1,728 cats were necropsied, mainly males (46.12%) and adults (50.11%). The mean ages at death for kittens, adults, and elderly were 5.07 months, 3.9 years, and 13.9 years, respectively. Of the 1,728 necropsy reports assessed, the cause of death was identified in 1,184 (68.52%) cases. The main cause of death was associated with infectious diseases (15.8%), with prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis (29.76%), followed by neoplasms (11.98%) with lymphoma (44.93%) and leukemia (16.91%) as the most common, and traumas (11.81%) mainly caused by motor vehicle accidents. These results show the need for owner awareness, as well as establishment of prophylaxis and vaccination programs, aimed at reducing the number of deaths and thus increasing life expectancy in the feline population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica A. Withoeft
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thierry G. Cristo
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo S. Costa
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Tainah P. Dal Pont
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Amanda C. Freitas
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
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21
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Ward JL, Lisciandro GR, Ware WA, Viall AK, Aona BD, Kurtz KA, Reina‐Doreste Y, DeFrancesco TC. Evaluation of point-of-care thoracic ultrasound and NT-proBNP for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in cats with respiratory distress. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1530-1540. [PMID: 30216579 PMCID: PMC6189386 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats is challenging. Point-of-care (POC) thoracic ultrasound and NT-proBNP testing are emerging tools that may aid in diagnosis. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic accuracy of POC lung ultrasound (LUS), focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU), and NT-proBNP in predicting a final diagnosis of CHF. ANIMALS Fifty-one cats in respiratory distress. METHODS Blood NT-proBNP, LUS, and FCU evaluating left atrial (LA) size and presence of pericardial effusion (PCEFF) were performed in all cats. Lung ultrasound findings including pleural effusion (PLEFF), number of B-lines, and sub-pleural abnormalities were noted. Medical records were evaluated for final diagnosis. RESULTS Thirty-three of 51 (65%) cats were diagnosed with CHF. Lung ultrasound and blood NT-proBNP were significant predictors of CHF in a multivariate model. The LUS criterion that maximized accuracy for CHF diagnosis was presence of >1 site strongly positive for B-lines (>3 B-lines per site), resulting in sensitivity of 78.8%, specificity of 83.3%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.833. Subjective LA enlargement was 97.0% sensitive and 100% specific for CHF (AUC 0.985). Presence of PCEFF also was 100% specific, but only 60.6% sensitive, for CHF (AUC 0.803). A positive blood NT-proBNP test was 93.9% sensitive and 72.2% specific for the diagnosis of CHF (AUC 0.831). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Point-of-care diagnostic techniques of LUS, FCU, and NT-proBNP are useful to diagnose CHF in cats with respiratory distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Ward
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowa
| | | | - Wendy A. Ware
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowa
| | - Austin K. Viall
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowa
| | - Brent D. Aona
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Kari A. Kurtz
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Yamir Reina‐Doreste
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Teresa C. DeFrancesco
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
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Time spent with cats is never wasted: Lessons learned from feline acromegalic cardiomyopathy, a naturally occurring animal model of the human disease. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29596445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194342.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, acromegaly due to a pituitary somatotrophic adenoma is a recognized cause of increased left ventricular (LV) mass. Acromegalic cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe the clinical, echocardiographic and histopathologic features of naturally occurring feline acromegalic cardiomyopathy, an emerging disease among domestic cats. METHODS Cats with confirmed hypersomatotropism (IGF-1>1000ng/ml and pituitary mass; n = 67) were prospectively recruited, as were two control groups: diabetics (IGF-1<800ng/ml; n = 24) and healthy cats without known endocrinopathy or cardiovascular disease (n = 16). Echocardiography was performed in all cases, including after hypersomatotropism treatment where applicable. Additionally, tissue samples from deceased cats with hypersomatotropism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and age-matched controls (n = 21 each) were collected and systematically histopathologically reviewed and compared. RESULTS By echocardiography, cats with hypersomatotropism had a greater maximum LV wall thickness (6.5mm, 4.1-10.1mm) than diabetic (5.9mm, 4.2-9.1mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001) or control cats (5.2mm, 4.1-6.5mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001). Left atrial diameter was also greater in cats with hypersomatotropism (16.6mm, 13.0-29.5mm) than in diabetic (15.4mm, 11.2-20.3mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001) and control cats (14.0mm, 12.6-17.4mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001). After hypophysectomy and normalization of IGF-1 concentration (n = 20), echocardiographic changes proved mostly reversible. As in humans, histopathology of the feline acromegalic heart was dominated by myocyte hypertrophy with interstitial fibrosis and minimal myofiber disarray. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate cats could be considered a naturally occurring model of acromegalic cardiomyopathy, and as such help elucidate mechanisms driving cardiovascular remodeling in this disease.
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23
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Borgeat K, Niessen SJM, Wilkie L, Harrington N, Church DB, Luis Fuentes V, Connolly DJ. Time spent with cats is never wasted: Lessons learned from feline acromegalic cardiomyopathy, a naturally occurring animal model of the human disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194342. [PMID: 29596445 PMCID: PMC5875754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In humans, acromegaly due to a pituitary somatotrophic adenoma is a recognized cause of increased left ventricular (LV) mass. Acromegalic cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe the clinical, echocardiographic and histopathologic features of naturally occurring feline acromegalic cardiomyopathy, an emerging disease among domestic cats. Methods Cats with confirmed hypersomatotropism (IGF-1>1000ng/ml and pituitary mass; n = 67) were prospectively recruited, as were two control groups: diabetics (IGF-1<800ng/ml; n = 24) and healthy cats without known endocrinopathy or cardiovascular disease (n = 16). Echocardiography was performed in all cases, including after hypersomatotropism treatment where applicable. Additionally, tissue samples from deceased cats with hypersomatotropism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and age-matched controls (n = 21 each) were collected and systematically histopathologically reviewed and compared. Results By echocardiography, cats with hypersomatotropism had a greater maximum LV wall thickness (6.5mm, 4.1–10.1mm) than diabetic (5.9mm, 4.2–9.1mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001) or control cats (5.2mm, 4.1–6.5mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001). Left atrial diameter was also greater in cats with hypersomatotropism (16.6mm, 13.0–29.5mm) than in diabetic (15.4mm, 11.2–20.3mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001) and control cats (14.0mm, 12.6–17.4mm; Mann Whitney, p<0.001). After hypophysectomy and normalization of IGF-1 concentration (n = 20), echocardiographic changes proved mostly reversible. As in humans, histopathology of the feline acromegalic heart was dominated by myocyte hypertrophy with interstitial fibrosis and minimal myofiber disarray. Conclusions These results demonstrate cats could be considered a naturally occurring model of acromegalic cardiomyopathy, and as such help elucidate mechanisms driving cardiovascular remodeling in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Borgeat
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Stijn J. M. Niessen
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Lois Wilkie
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Norelene Harrington
- Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - David B. Church
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | | | - David J. Connolly
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Messer AE, Chan J, Daley A, Copeland O, Marston SB, Connolly DJ. Investigations into the Sarcomeric Protein and Ca 2+-Regulation Abnormalities Underlying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats ( Felix catus). Front Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28642712 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00348.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common single gene inherited cardiomyopathy. In cats (Felix catus) HCM is even more prevalent and affects 16% of the outbred population and up to 26% in pedigree breeds such as Maine Coon and Ragdoll. Homozygous MYBPC3 mutations have been identified in these breeds but the mutations in other cats are unknown. At the clinical and physiological level feline HCM is closely analogous to human HCM but little is known about the primary causative mechanism. Most identified HCM causing mutations are in the genes coding for proteins of the sarcomere. We therefore investigated contractile and regulatory proteins in left ventricular tissue from 25 cats, 18 diagnosed with HCM, including a Ragdoll cat with a homozygous MYBPC3 R820W, and 7 non-HCM cats in comparison with human HCM (from septal myectomy) and donor heart tissue. Myofibrillar protein expression was normal except that we observed 20-44% MyBP-C haploinsufficiency in 5 of the HCM cats. Troponin extracted from 8 HCM and 5 non-HCM cat hearts was incorporated into thin filaments and studied by in vitro motility assay. All HCM cat hearts had a higher (2.06 ± 0.13 fold) Ca2+-sensitivity than non-HCM cats and, in all the HCM cats, Ca2+-sensitivity was not modulated by troponin I phosphorylation. We were able to restore modulation of Ca2+-sensitivity by replacing troponin T with wild-type protein or by adding 100 μM Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). These fundamental regulatory characteristics closely mimic those seen in human HCM indicating a common molecular mechanism that is independent of the causative mutation. Thus, the HCM cat is a potentially useful large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Messer
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine Chan
- The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Daley
- The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield, United Kingdom
| | - O'Neal Copeland
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Steven B Marston
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
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Messer AE, Chan J, Daley A, Copeland O, Marston SB, Connolly DJ. Investigations into the Sarcomeric Protein and Ca 2+-Regulation Abnormalities Underlying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats ( Felix catus). Front Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28642712 PMCID: PMC5462916 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common single gene inherited cardiomyopathy. In cats (Felix catus) HCM is even more prevalent and affects 16% of the outbred population and up to 26% in pedigree breeds such as Maine Coon and Ragdoll. Homozygous MYBPC3 mutations have been identified in these breeds but the mutations in other cats are unknown. At the clinical and physiological level feline HCM is closely analogous to human HCM but little is known about the primary causative mechanism. Most identified HCM causing mutations are in the genes coding for proteins of the sarcomere. We therefore investigated contractile and regulatory proteins in left ventricular tissue from 25 cats, 18 diagnosed with HCM, including a Ragdoll cat with a homozygous MYBPC3 R820W, and 7 non-HCM cats in comparison with human HCM (from septal myectomy) and donor heart tissue. Myofibrillar protein expression was normal except that we observed 20–44% MyBP-C haploinsufficiency in 5 of the HCM cats. Troponin extracted from 8 HCM and 5 non-HCM cat hearts was incorporated into thin filaments and studied by in vitro motility assay. All HCM cat hearts had a higher (2.06 ± 0.13 fold) Ca2+-sensitivity than non-HCM cats and, in all the HCM cats, Ca2+-sensitivity was not modulated by troponin I phosphorylation. We were able to restore modulation of Ca2+-sensitivity by replacing troponin T with wild-type protein or by adding 100 μM Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). These fundamental regulatory characteristics closely mimic those seen in human HCM indicating a common molecular mechanism that is independent of the causative mutation. Thus, the HCM cat is a potentially useful large animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Messer
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine Chan
- The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Daley
- The Royal Veterinary CollegeHatfield, United Kingdom
| | - O'Neal Copeland
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Steven B Marston
- Myocardial Function, NHLI, Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom
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Right ventricular involvement in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Cardiol 2016; 18:297-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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