Feasibility and complications of Blalock–Taussig shunt in a cat with tetralogy of Fallot

Abstract An 11‐month‐old, male, domestic shorthair cat was referred for severe cyanosis, dyspnea and exercise intolerance for a tetralogy of Fallot. No clinical improvement was observed with pharmacological treatment, so a palliative surgical procedure was proposed. A Blalock–Taussig shunt was performed under anaesthesia to palliate hypoxaemia and clinical signs. No surgical complications were observed. The shunt remained patent postoperatively, but the cat developed respiratory failure and aortic thromboembolism. No response to medical treatment was observed, and euthanasia was performed. This case describes Blalock–Taussig shunt as a feasible option for congenital cyanotic heart disease in cats. However, the development of postoperative complications highlights the challenges of surgically managing tetralogy of Fallot in feline patients.