Feline Congenital Cardiac Abnormalities Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Congenital heart disease (CHD) in cats is relatively uncommon, with a prevalence of approximately 0.1-0.2% of the feline population and accounting for about 8% of cats diagnosed with heart disease. Unlike acquired cardiomyopathies, these defects are present from birth and result from abnormal cardiac development during gestation.

The most common indication of CHD in kittens is detection of a heart murmur at the first vaccination visit. Understanding feline congenital cardiac abnormalities is essential for NAVLE success, as these conditions require accurate diagnosis and appropriate management decisions.

Prevalence of Feline Congenital Heart Defects

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Embryology and Pathophysiology

The ductus arteriosus is a normal fetal blood vessel derived from the sixth aortic arch that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta. In utero, it allows blood to bypass the non-functioning fetal lungs by shunting blood from the pulmonary artery directly into the systemic circulation.