Suspected Bartonella-associated myocarditis and supraventricular tachycardia in a cat

J Vet Cardiol. 2011 Dec;13(4):277-81. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2011.08.004. Epub 2011 Nov 3.

Abstract

A 4-year old female spayed domestic short hair cat presented for evaluation of a tachyarrhythmia identified on routine physical examination. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was identified on electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiogram failed to identify any structural heart disease. A positive Bartonella antibody titer was identified on serological evaluation. The cat received anti-arrhythmics for control of the SVT and azithromycin for Bartonella. After completion of antibiotic therapy, a four-fold decrease in the Bartonella antibody titer was measured and the cat was eventually weaned off anti-arrhythmic medications. At 1 week, 1 month and 3 month re-checks off all therapy, no SVT was identified.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Bartonella / immunology
  • Bartonella / isolation & purification*
  • Bartonella Infections / microbiology
  • Bartonella Infections / veterinary*
  • Cat Diseases / microbiology*
  • Cats
  • Electrocardiography / veterinary
  • Female
  • Myocarditis / microbiology
  • Myocarditis / veterinary*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / microbiology
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / veterinary*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial