Anaesthetic management of underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the feline dental patient: an extended patient care report

Abstract

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cardiac disorder diagnosed in many feline patients. HCM causes the ventricles of the heart to become thickened, therefore affecting its ability to pump blood around the body efficiently. Careful handling and anaesthetic management is important in patients with this condition and will be discussed throughout this case report. HCM leads to cardiovascular effects such as a reduced cardiac output, decreased blood pressure and embolisms. An understanding of the pathophysiology relating to HCM will help when creating the anaesthetic plan for the patient.

Keywords::

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• feline
• anaesthesia
• monitoring
• cardiovascular
• pre-medication
• patient care report

Acknowledgment

This care report was produced as part of her studies for the Royal Veterinary College Graduate Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carrie Pulsford

Carrie Pulsford GradDipVN RVN

Carrie qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2016 and has since completed the Graduate Diploma in Clinical and Professional Veterinary Nursing with the Royal Veterinary College in 2019. Carrie is the head veterinary nurse at a busy first opinion practice in Bristol and has a keen interest in anaesthesia, pain management and medical nursing.

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