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. 2009 May 15:291–409. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-02998-8.50024-X

TABLE 20-2.

International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council Heart Disease Classification Scheme

Class I

  • Asymptomatic

  • Ia: Signs of heart disease but no cardiomegaly

  • Ib: Signs of heart disease and evidence of compensation (cardiomegaly)
Class II Mild to moderate heart failure—clinical signs of heart failure are evident at rest or with mild exercise and adversely affect quality of life
Class III

  • Symptoms at rest—clinical signs of congestive heart failure are immediately obvious

  • IIIa: Home care is possible

  • IIIb: Hospitalization is recommended (cardiogenic shock, life-threatening edema, large pleural effusion, refractory ascites)