Dr. Anna McManamey, Professor of Cardiology at Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss a common yet challenging case: a new heart murmur in a cat scheduled for a dental procedure. In this Hall of Fame episode, Dr. Mack unpacks the potential causes of heart murmurs in cats, with a focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other conditions that could impact anesthesia safety and long-term health. She highlights the diagnostic tools available, including the limitations of chest x-rays, the value of BNP testing as a "poor man's echocardiogram," and when to consider additional tests like blood pressure or thyroid screening.

Dr. Mack also provides practical advice on managing heart disease in cats, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures like blood thinners and the challenges of owner compliance with medications. For emergency settings, she shares tips on using SNAP BNP tests for quick assessments. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mack’s expertise shines as she equips veterinary professionals with actionable insights to confidently address feline cardiology cases. Let’s get into this episode!