Retrospective Evaluation of Cardiac Diseases in 504 Cats in the Black Sea Region: BLACK-CARD STUDY

The retrospective analysis of data plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases. It enables early detection of diseases and the development of appropriate treatment strategies. In this study, data from 504 cats diagnosed with cardiac disease and presented to the Department of Internal Medicine at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ondokuz Mayıs University from various provinces of the Black Sea Region were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical findings, laboratory test results, electrocardiography, and echocardiographic data were analyzed. The most common cardiac disease in these cats was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), diagnosed in 425 cases (84.33%). The most frequently encountered congenital heart disease was ventricular septal defect, identified in 12 cats (2.38%). This study emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive approach that integrates clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic methods for the accurate and timely diagnosis of cardiac diseases