🔍 What Is Pulmonic Stenosis?

Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital narrowing of the pulmonic valve or adjacent area—rare in cats but impactful. The obstruction increases workload on the right ventricle, leading to hypertrophy and, in severe cases, right-sided heart failure :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Congenital valve dysplasia or commissural fusion :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• May occur alone or with other congenital heart defects (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, subvalvular narrowing) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• No clear breed or sex predisposition documented in cats :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🚩 Signs & Clinical Presentation

• Systolic ejection murmur at left heart base—often first clue :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Exercise intolerance, fainting (syncope), rapid breathing, weakness, cyanosis in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Right-heart failure signs: ascites, pleural effusion, jugular distension, hepatic congestion :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• May be asymptomatic—mild cases often live normal lifespans :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔬 Diagnosis & Testing

1. Physical exam revealing murmur.
2. Chest X‑rays: Show right ventricular enlargement and pulmonary artery changes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
3. Echocardiography + Doppler: Essential to assess valve anatomy, stenosis severity, blood flow velocity and right ventricular changes :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
4. Electrocardiogram: Evaluates arrhythmias and right-heart strain :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
5. Angiography: Sometimes used during balloon procedures to visualize anatomy:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛠️ Treatment Approaches

▶ Mild stenosis

No intervention needed; supportive monitoring and routine checks every 6–12 mo :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

▶ Moderate to severe stenosis

• Balloon valvuloplasty: Minimally invasive catheter procedure; improves blood flow in cats, especially if done before heart failure develops :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Medical therapy: Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol) for hypertrophy or arrhythmias; diuretics if fluid buildup; ACE inhibitors as needed :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Surgical intervention: Valve repair or patching in rare cases—high complexity, limited availability :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

🏡 Home Care & Lifestyle

• Limit strenuous activity; keep stress low.
• Monitor breathing, energy, fainting, abdominal swelling.
• Administer meds via the **Ask A Vet** app for dose reminders and symptom tracking.
• Provide calm indoor environment with cozy, cushioned bedding from **Woopf** & **Purrz**.

📅 Prognosis & Long-Term Monitoring

• Mild PS: Excellent – normal life expectancy :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Moderate–severe PS: Good prognosis post–balloon therapy; untreated cases risk CHF, arrhythmias, shortened lifespan :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Monitor with echo every 6–12 mo; adjust treatment based on symptoms or imaging.
• Genetic – do not breed affected cats :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📝 Quick Reference