Key result
Cesarean section resolves biventricular heart failure in a pregnant cat, yielding 9 asymptomatic years.
Case Report (n=1)
Pregnancy-associated volume expansion can cause reversible congestive heart failure in cats, which may resolve rapidly following delivery.
May support delivery timing for reversible peripartum HF in cats; leaves open generalizability beyond this single case.
A 4-year-old, late-term pregnant Himalayan queen was diagnosed with biventricular congestive heart failure characterized by pleural effusion and pulmonary edema. A cesarean section was performed, resulting in the birth of four live kittens, with one surviving to discharge. Congestive heart failure resolved rapidly following surgery. The queen remained asymptomatic for 9 years postoperatively. Volume expansion secondary to pregnancy was thought to result in cardiovascular volume overload and subsequent congestive heart failure.
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Stoneham et al. (2006) conducted a case report in Pregnancy-associated congestive heart failure (n=1). Cesarean section was evaluated on Resolution of congestive heart failure. Cesarean section in a pregnant Himalayan queen with biventricular congestive heart failure resulted in rapid resolution of symptoms, with the cat remaining asymptomatic for 9 years.
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