Transient myocardial thickening in young cats
2-year-old cat that, 10 days after anaesthesia for dental surgery, presents with dyspnoea due to pulmonary oedema. No previous murmur. Echocardiogram: LV walls of 7 mm, enlarged left atrium. Cardiac troponin I raised. Responds well to furosemide.
Which statement is correct?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. It is stage C HCM: treatment will be lifelong and the prognosis grave
Assuming this without reassessment may mean lifelong treatment for a cat that will recover. A triggering event in a young cat should prompt consideration of transient thickening.
B. Furosemide is contraindicated because the LV is hypertrophic
There is pulmonary oedema: the diuretic is the treatment for CHF whatever the phenotype. What must be avoided is excessive dehydration.
C. The raised troponin rules out a transient process
Troponin is usually raised in these cats: it reflects acute myocardial injury or oedema, consistent with a reversible (possibly inflammatory) process.
D. Wall thickness and atrial size may normalise within weeks or months: reassess with echocardiography and consider withdrawing treatment
Correct. Transient myocardial thickening affects young cats after a trigger (anaesthesia, surgery, infection, stress) and carries a good prognosis. Once the echocardiogram normalises, medication can be gradually withdrawn.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In a young cat with acute CHF and hypertrophy, ask about anaesthesia, fluid therapy, surgery or illness in the preceding weeks. Reassess within 1–3 months before giving an HCM prognosis.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.