The feline cardiomyopathies: a rich tapestry of disease

Diseases that primarily affect the myocardium, the cardiomyopathies, constitute by far the most prevalent, and therefore most important, type of heart diseases in domestic cats. This prevalence and importance appear to be unique to Felis catus. While cardiomyopathies exist in many species, in all others either valvular disease or coronary artery disease predominate. it is also interesting to note that, while hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is most common, almost every cardiomyopathic category described in any species has also been described in domestic cats. This rich tapestry of disease has resulted in the publication of numerous research and case studies on innumerable aspects of feline cardiomyopathy over the past five to six decades. The number of these publications continues to grow.

Consequently, the need for periodic reviews/ updates on the feline cardiomyopathies is apparent. one important step in this direction was recently achieved, namely the publication of the landmark American College of Veterinary internal Medicine (ACViM) consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathies in domestic cats.1 As members of the committee that developed and produced that statement, we saw an opportunity subsequent to its publication to evolve this concept farther by writing a comprehensive review that dug deeper than the structural limits (notably word count) a consensus statement allowed. in so doing, we set out to provide a resource that readers could use freely (open access) to find evidence-based information, drawing on a large foundation of 400+ references.

The cardiomyopathies constitute by far the most prevalent, and therefore most important, type of heart disease in domestic cats

We also set our sights on providing our own interpretations of complex subjects and on supplying practical advice based on our personal experience. In addition, we sought to illustrate what we wrote using numerous images and online audio/video tracks. Ultimately, we wanted to combine an all- encompassing literature review with our collection of images and video/audio resources, and with our opinions, to review this subject in a way that we hope veterinarians appreciate. Having the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) publish all three parts with the attendant graphics in this special Clinical Practice issue, with 45 complementary videos online, we feel, is an ideal fit. We would like to sincerely thank the editors at JFMS for proposing this special issue framework, and for their ideas, recommendations and support. Without this, these articles could not have reached this final and, we feel, rewarding format. Special thanks to Abi Strickland (née Tansley), JFMS deputy Editor, whose supreme dedication and expert handling steered the special issue through the entire production process with utmost consideration and effectiveness. We hope you find the end result both educational and informative.

Mark D Kittleson DVM, Phd, DACVIM (Cardiology), University of California, davis, and Veterinary information Network, USA
Etienne Côté DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology, Small Animal internal Medicine), University of Prince Edward island, Canada