🫀 Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome (WPW) in Cats – 2025 Veterinary Guide 🐱

Hello attentive cat guardians! 😺 I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, here to explain Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome—a rare but potentially serious cardiac conduction disorder in cats. This 2025 guide delves into its causes, clinical signs, diagnostic ECG findings, treatment approaches, prognosis, and how Ask A Vet can support you through every heartbeat. Let’s help your cat’s heart stay in rhythm! ❤️

1️⃣ What Is WPW Syndrome?

WPW is a **pre‑excitation cardiac condition**. A cat is born with an extra electrical pathway (the “bundle of Kent”) bypassing the AV node. This shortcut can cause the ventricles to activate prematurely—leading to episodes of rapid heart rate (supraventricular tachycardia) and fainting :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2️⃣ Why It Matters

• Rapid heart rates (up to 400–500 BPM) can compromise cardiac output.
• Episodes may cause fainting (syncope) or collapse.
• Cats may also experience lethargy, trouble breathing, exercise intolerance, coughing, or loss of appetite :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Though rare, WPW can be life-threatening if arrhythmias aren’t managed.

3️⃣ Who Is Affected?

• WPW in cats is rare, but both birth defects and acquired cardiac disease (like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) can underlie it :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• No specific breed predilection identified, though breeds prone to cardiomyopathy (e.g., Maine Coons, Persians) may also present with WPW-like pre-excitation :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

4️⃣ Clinical Signs to Watch 👀

• 🫁 Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• 😵 Episodes of fainting or collapse
• 😴 Lethargy, weakness, or reluctance to exercise
• 😮 Breathing difficulties (open-mouthed breathing)
• 💧 Less common signs—coughing, low appetite, sudden death in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

5️⃣ Diagnostic Approach

📈 Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Key diagnostic tool showing:

• Short PR interval & slurred upstroke (delta wave)
• Widened QRS complexes
• Episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (may be narrow or wide QRS) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🔍 Echocardiogram & Imaging

• Identifies underlying structural disease (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, atrial enlargement) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

💉 Lab Tests

• Baseline bloodwork to evaluate overall health.
• Holter monitoring may capture intermittent arrhythmias.

6️⃣ WPW in Cats: What the Research Shows

A recent retrospective study of 17 cats with ventricular pre-excitation found:

• Most had enlarged atria, thick ventricular walls; some also had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Tachyarrhythmias occurred in ~50%; ventricular arrhythmias in others.
• Common treatments: sotalol, diltiazem, atenolol, furosemide; median survival ~1,882 days (~5+ years) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

7️⃣ Treatment Strategies

🧩 Acute Management

• For stable arrhythmias: medications like **diltiazem** or **sotalol**, beta-blockers (avoid AV‑node blockers like calcium-channel blockers in atrial fibrillation + WPW) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• For unstable SVT: may require electrical cardioversion or IV antiarrhythmics :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🩺 Long‑Term Management

• Chronic meds: sotalol, atenolol, or diltiazem to reduce arrhythmia risk :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Manage concurrent conditions: presume hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
• Regular rechecks: ECG, echo, and clinical exams every 6–12 months—or sooner if symptoms recur.

8️⃣ Prognosis

• With treatment, many cats live relatively long lives—studies show survival beyond five years :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Risk depends on severity: acute arrhythmia episodes, concurrent cardiomyopathy, or cardiac complications like thromboembolism :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

9️⃣ Home Care & Monitoring

• Keep stress low—avoid overheating, excitement, or strenuous activity.
• Track heart and respiratory rate daily (resting heart rate ~120–180 BPM is normal).
• Monitor for fainting, weakness, signs of congestive heart failure (e.g., coughing, breathing difficulty).
• Stick to medication schedule; never discontinue abruptly.

🔟 When Ask A Vet Can Support You 📲

We’re here 24/7 for guidance on:

• Recognizing urgent signs (collapse, rapid breathing)
• Determining whether an ECG or emergency clinic visit is needed
• Helping administer medications or prepare for rechecks
• Supporting with lifestyle planning around cardiac health

📊 Quick Reference Table

💡 Dr Duncan’s Final Thoughts

While WPW is rare in cats, with prompt diagnosis and medical management, many affected felines live stable and comfortable lives. Regular veterinary check-ups, careful monitoring at home, and consistent treatment are essential. If you notice fainting, breathing problems, or racing heartbeat, contact your vet or Ask A Vet immediately. We're alongside you with expert guidance whenever you need it. 😊🐾

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc — your advocate for feline cardiac rhythm care. Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app for round-the-clock expert support, every heartbeat of the way. 📱