Feline Right Bundle Branch Block: Vet Guide 2025 🐱⚡🩺

Hello caring cat parents! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc 🩺. Today, we’re exploring right bundle branch block (RBBB)—an electrical conduction delay in your cat's heart. We'll cover ECG signs, causes, diagnostics, management strategies, and thoughtful home support—all with clarity, warmth, and emojis! 😊

🔍 What Is Right Bundle Branch Block?

RBBB occurs when the electrical impulse to the right ventricle is delayed or blocked. On an ECG, this shows up as wide or abnormal QRS intervals—similar to the left bundle branch block pattern but affecting the right side :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Cardiomyopathy: Tissue changes affecting conduction pathways in HCM or DCM—occasionally seen in HCM-afflicted cats :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Cardiac tumors or inflammation: Pressure or tissue injury near the right bundle branch :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Trauma: Accidents or punctures damaging electrical tissue :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Idiopathic or age-related changes: Degeneration of conduction system over time :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

👂 What Signs Should You Watch For?

RBBB itself often doesn't cause symptoms—but you may notice signs related to the underlying condition:

• 💤 Fatigue or exercise intolerance
• 🫁 Breathing difficulty or cough
• 😿 General lethargy or weakness
• ⚡ Palpitations, fainting, or collapse
• 🚑 Symptoms of heart failure—fluid build-up, fast respiratory rate

🔬 Diagnostic Approach

• ECG: Reveals wide QRS complexes with right bundle morphology; intermittent need Holter monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Chest X-rays & echocardiogram: Identify structural changes—chamber enlargement, masses, or cardiomyopathy :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Bloodwork: Complete blood count, chemistry, thyroid and kidney values.
• History & exam: Check for trauma, tumors, or other related illnesses.

🏥 Treatment & Management

1. Treat Underlying Condition

• Manage cardiomyopathy with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics.
• Address tumors surgically or with palliative treatment.
• Treat conditions like infection or immune-mediated injury.

2. Monitor Rhythm & Cardiac Function

• Repeat ECG or Holter every 6–12 months;
• Perform echocardiogram to follow structural changes;
• Adjust medications based on heart function and symptoms.

3. Supportive Home Care

• Stress-free environment with cozy beds from **Woopf & Purrz** 🛏️
• Balanced diet, fresh water, and gentle exercise
• Log medications and symptoms using the **Ask A Vet app** 📱

📈 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Isolated RBBB is not immediately life-threatening—but signals need for evaluation.
• Prognosis depends on underlying heart disease; mild cases fare well.
• Severe cardiomyopathy or tumors may require ongoing management.
• Schedule follow-ups every 3–6 months if disease present; annually if stable.

📌 Key Takeaways

• RBBB is an ECG finding indicating right ventricular conduction delay.
• Often benign by itself—most cats show no symptoms.
• Usually caused by structural heart disease, tumors, or trauma.
• Diagnosis involves ECG, echocardiography, blood tests, and imaging.
• Managing underlying conditions and regular monitoring ensures best outcomes.

📞 When to Contact Ask A Vet

If your cat shows fainting, weakness, breathing trouble, appetite change, or unusual fatigue, message the Ask A Vet app 💬. Quick advice can guide next steps and give peace of mind.

✨ Final Thoughts

Right bundle branch block in cats can be a subtle but important signal. With careful veterinary management, thoughtful home monitoring, and resources like Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz, your feline friend can continue to enjoy a happy and healthy life in 2025. You’re not alone in this—support is always here! 😊🐾