Ventricular Septal Defect in a Young Cat 

Ventricular Septal Defect in a Young Cat 

Meet Gucci, a 10 month old Scottish Fold. 

Gucci has had a congenital heart defect since birth.

She was brought to Veterinarium for a consultation several months ago, where a scheduled cardiac ultrasound examination revealed a ventricular septal defect.

A ventricular septal defect is a congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by a disruption in the integrity of the septum separating the right and left ventricles. As a result, normal blood flow dynamics are altered, and mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood may occur.

This defect is relatively uncommon in cats, and its echocardiographic diagnosis can often be technically challenging. Small defects may be subtle and require a high level of expertise and careful evaluation to detect.

In Gucci’s case, the defect was identified during the echocardiographic examination by anesthesiologist Natia Robakidze.

Hemodynamic alterations are particularly important during anesthesia, as maintaining stable oxygen delivery and organ perfusion is critical. Patients with congenital cardiac defects require thorough preanesthetic assessment and an individually tailored approach.

An individualized anesthetic protocol was developed for Gucci by Natia Robakidze, taking her cardiac status fully into consideration.

Fortunately, Gucci’s ventricular septal defect was determined to be small. Based on the owner’s decision, she underwent spay surgery. Although the procedure is relatively short, anesthetic risks were carefully evaluated, and minor intraoperative challenges were successfully managed.

Gucci is doing well and continues to enjoy her happy, active life.