Heart disease : ventricular septal defect (VSD), Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the more common congenital heart defects in cats. It is sometimes referred to as a 'hole in the heart'. The condition is often discovered in apparently healthy cats by a vet during a routine examination (such as before vaccination).

If your vet identifies a heart murmur in your kitten it is essential to have further investigation to establish the cause of the murmur so that appropriate treatment can be given early.

What is a ventricular septal defect?

A congenital heart defect, ventriculoventricular septal defect (VSD) results from improper development of the kitten prior to birth. Similar to the human heart, the cat's heart is a muscular pump with four distinct chambers. Blood is sent from the right side of the heart to the lungs, where it absorbs oxygen. The blood is pumped throughout the body by the left side of the heart.The septum, a muscular wall, separates the left and right halves of the heart. The left and right ventricles are divided by the ventricular septum. A VSD is characterized by an imperfectly developed septum, which leaves a tiny hole in the septum that permits some blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right.

The defect's size and placement will determine how this affects the cat. Most cats can tolerate minor flaws in themselves.Very tiny VSD holes may occasionally close on their own. Congestive cardiac failure can be caused by larger faults.

Causes of Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular Septal Defect is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. The exact cause is often unknown, but genetic factors and environmental influences during the mother’s pregnancy can contribute to the development of this heart defect in kittens.

How would I know if my cat has a ventricular septal defect?

Ventriculoventricular septal defects (VSDs) are a congenital disorder, however symptoms typically do not appear until later in life. A large number of cats with VSD show no symptoms at all. A veterinarian can frequently identify the murmur brought on by a VSD (usually during a normal health check). Ask your veterinarian to check for cardiac irregularities when you bring home a new kitten.

Clinical symptoms could appear while the cat is younger than two years old if the abnormality is significant. Stunted growth is a possible symptom in severely affected animals, though it might be hard to diagnose without comparing the animal to its littermates. The diseased animal may cough, have trouble breathing, be reluctant to exercise, or develop heart failure if the problem is not diagnosed.

The severity of the symptoms can vary based on the size of the defect. Cats with small VSDs might not display any noticeable signs, while those with larger defects can exhibit:

• Weakness and Lethargy: Cats may lack energy and tire easily, even during routine activities.

• Rapid Breathing: Increased respiratory rate, especially after minimal physical activity.

• Coughing: Cats might develop a persistent cough, especially after exertion.

• Poor Growth: Kittens with VSD might have stunted growth compared to their littermates.

• Blue or Grayish Gums: In severe cases, lack of oxygenated blood can lead to cyanosis, visible as bluish or grayish gums and tongue.

How will my vet know what is wrong with my cat?

Your veterinarian will want to perform more testing if they detect a murmur when listening to your cat's heart. Heart murmurs, which are frequently observed in cats with VSD, are the sound of abnormally fast blood flow. It is not always the case that a pet with otherwise good health may have VSD or another congenital heart condition; even mild heart murmurs might occur.

The preferred technique for determining the etiology of a cardiac murmur is ultrasound. It is advised to have an ultrasonography check if a cardiac murmur is detected. It takes a great deal of expertise and experience to perform an ultrasound examination of the heart, and the person doing the examination should have familiarity with young cats.

X-rays are useful for both heart disease diagnosis and follow-up. Cats with severe VSD may exhibit obvious left-sided cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, X-rays are performed to check for symptoms of heart failure. If any are found, therapy for heart failure is typically initiated very once.

Will my cat get better?

Your cat may live a normal life and not require treatment if the VSD is extremely small. The prognosis is bad and your cat's life expectancy may be drastically lowered if the deformity is substantial. Your veterinarian will talk with you about your cat's prognosis and long-term care.

Can a ventricular septal defect be treated?

If the ventricular septal defect is small, then no treatment is needed and the hole may spontaneously close. Large VSDs may need medical management to treat heart failure if it develops. Some surgical options are available to help reduce the flow of blood across the hole but definitive repair to actually close the hole is typically not possible.

How long will my cat live?

Many animals with ventricular septal defect live a normal life with no signs of heart disease but this depends on the size and location of the defect. Affected cats and their parents (who could be genetic carriers of the condition) should be not be allowed to have kittens.

Cats with more severe defects are likely to develop heart failure at a relatively early age and the long term outlook is poor. Life-expectancy may be reduced and long term medication will be required.

In conclusion, understanding the signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for Ventricular Septal Defect in cats is vital for early detection and proper management. With timely intervention and supportive care, cat owners can ensure their feline companions live comfortable lives despite this congenital heart condition. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan for cats diagnosed with VSD.