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My cat's X-ray shows enlarged lung arteries. Could stress be why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 years and 2 months old | 9 lbs

Hi there! What are the possible causes of dilated pulmonary arteries in cats? If that showed on a X-ray is it possible they were dilated just that day due to stress of the visit ? thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2018

Acute stress does not cause pulmonary arteries to appear enlarged on x-rays. This is a change that happens over time. Enlarged pulmonary arteries can be found with heartworm infestations, a left to right shunt in the heart, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary thromboembolism. Your vet will help to narrow-down the cause of this with further testing. I hope that helps and Kitty gets better soon.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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