Wakefield referral unit steps in to help cat with rare heart condition

A West Yorkshire referral unit has been called in to treat a cat with a heart condition so rare only a few cases are reported anywhere in the world.

The three-year-old, named McCoy, was taken to Paragon Veterinary Referrals in Wakefield after his local vets recommended a scan when they noticed an unusually fast heartbeat.

He was subsequently found to have pulmonic stenosis, and underwent surgery the unit had not previously conducted for the condition.

Techniques

Head of cardiology Chris Linney said: “The pulmonic stenosis was putting a large amount of strain on McCoy’s heart.

“Using minimally invasive, keyhole surgery techniques, we were able to pass a balloon through his heart and relieve the obstruction, improving the flow exiting his heart.

“Follow-up scans show he no longer has severe pulmonic stenosis and his heart is looking healthier and working more easily.

“The outlook for McCoy and living with this condition has gone from guarded to excellent.”