Severely Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Cats

Ventricular Fibrillation in Cats

When ventricle muscles in the heart begin to contract in a disorganized fashion, they quiver, also called ventricular fibrillation. Due to this uncoordinated contraction, blood circulation may cease within minutes, which may be fatal. Although it can affect cats at any age, it seems to affect those that are older.

Symptoms and Types

• Systemic illnesses associated with cardiac disease
• Previous history of heart beat rhythm problems (cardiac arrhythmia)
• Collapse
• Death

Causes

• Absence of oxygen in inspired gases or in arterial blood or in the tissues
• Blockage of the aorta (aortic stenosis)
• Heart surgery
• Drug reactions (e.g., anesthetics, especially fast-acting barbiturates, digoxin)
• Electrical shock
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Hypothermia
• Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
• Shock

Diagnosis

Unless some underlying infection, metabolic problem, or other such condition is present, the results of routine laboratory tests are usually normal. Your veterinarian will, however, record the ECG (electrocardiogram) results, which is helpful in identifying V-Fib and other related heart problems.

Treatment

This is an emergency that requires prompt and aggressive treatment. In fact, without treatment, most cats die within a matter of minutes. Often, electrical cardioversion is used, wherein an electrical defibrillator is used to deliver small electrical shocks to return the heart to normal rhythm. Initially, low intensity shocks are given; if the heart does not respond, the emergency veterinarian may increase the voltage.

If there is no access to an electrical defribillator, he or she may administer a precordial thump, whereby a sharp blow is applied to the chest wall over the heart with an open fist. Although rarely successful, it may be the only alternative.

Living and Management

Once the cat's heart has returned to a normal rhythm, it will require hospitalization for a few days to fully recover. Regular follow-up exams with the veterinarian will also be required, so that he or she may evaluate the cat's progress (typically with the ECG and other diagnostic procedures).