Characterization and outcomes of cats with cardiomyopathy undergoing subcutaneous ureteral bypass device placement.

Mild cardiomyopathy does not contraindicate SUB placement; fluid overload and high creatinine predict worse outcomes.

This retrospective study evaluated 94 cats undergoing subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) placement for benign ureteral obstruction, with specific focus on concurrent cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography was performed in 68% of cats, revealing cardiomyopathy in 40% of evaluated cases, predominantly hypertrophic or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (85%). Most cardiomyopathic cats (85%) had mild disease with normal left atrial size. No significant differences were observed in hospitalization duration, survival time, renal recovery, or fluid overload frequency between cats with and without cardiomyopathy. Fluid overload occurred in 45% of cats and was associated with significantly shorter survival (430 vs. 1020 days). Higher serum creatinine concentration at admission was independently associated with both fluid overload and worse prognosis. Left atrial-to-aortic root diameter ratio did not predict fluid overload or survival outcomes. The authors conclude that mild cardiomyopathy should not contraindicate SUB placement, though outcomes with advanced cardiac disease remain unknown.

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