HCM - how do you know it's the very end?

[apete89]

Hello all,

For some background, see this post:
http://www.sphynxlair.com/f33/my-girl-diagnosed-hcm-20368/#post235955

My girl has been diagnosed for about 3 months now, following a CHF episode. The last week or so she has been sneezing wet sneezes (fluid in the lungs building back up?) and going through moments of rough breathing and disorientation. For about the last 18-24 hours I think (hard to know exactly because I have spent time at work/sleeping) she has been constantly breathing short rapid breaths. Her pupils have been larger than usual as well, and she hasn't been pottying quite as much as usual (but not an extreme difference).

She has also the last few days been spending time in one of her old favorite spots, on top of the cabinets. I thought at first this was a good sign, that she was getting up there, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe it's an attempt to distance herself since she doesn't feel well?

Can anyone share with me what your kitty was like near the end? I feel like I'm totally in the dark

 

[tkmaune]

I'm sorry your little girl isn't feeling well I'm not at all familiar with hcm but I know a few members are (I'm sure they will chime in).

If it was my kitty I would take them to the eat ASAP

 

[NinaGato]

When Roland's time came I could see it in his eyes. I just knew
He didn't distance himself
He got super clingy.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I too am so sorry to hear about your baby not feeling well. When you know it is time, we will all be here for you.

 

[apete89]

When Roland's time came I could see it in his eyes. I just knew
He didn't distance himself
He got super clingy.

What physical symptoms did he have?

 

[NinaGato]

He wasn't keeping his food down and got out of breathe very easily and his rate of breathe was very fast. I just knew in his eyes. He told me he was ready.

 

[lucylue]

I would take your cat to the vet..

 

[Caloci]

Poor Girl. I hope that she is doing better by now. I think it would be a good idea to check with the vet to at least ensure she is comfortable.

Maybe it is something else? Please keep us informed. Prayers and headbutts for her

 

[Boonecat]

Seems others feel its a motherly instinct to know when enough is enough. I'll keep your baby in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[susi794]

She might need a medication change or increase since she was diagnosed only three months ago. I would call her cardiologist and describe what she is doing. I have no experience with HCM, but I'll pray for her and for you too.
Much love,
Susi and the gang

 

[nerdgirl]

Mine actually had seemed like he was doing OK on his last day. I came home from work and took a little nap with him and snuggled and took some pictures of him. Then I went out to dinner and came home and he was lying next to his food bowl on the floor by the bed. It made me feel so much better to know that it seemed to have gone while he was doing his favorite thing - eating! Other than that I couldn't really tell at all.

I guess you have to just treasure every moment with them and know that it could be anytime. I hear that a lot of pets will wait until their owners leave or will try to hide themselves. Make sure that sweet baby is comfortable and not suffering and enjoy every second giving them kisses and love.

Hugs. It is such an awful thing.

 

[amikhaylov4]

Breaks my heart reading this. I pray your baby isn't suffering too much. Like previous posts said, treasure each moment and make it the best you can.

 

[Graddydani]

I'm so sorry. But as others have said. You will know. I'm thinking of you and your sweet girl. A change of meds like Susi said might definitely help. They can live a really long time after being diagnosed as long as they're being cared for as best as possible.

 

[apete89]

Hello all,

Looking for some support. Hopefully some kind words to help me feel better?

Since I posted the coughing and sneezing has stopped, but she does go through several hour long episodes of labored breathing. At our last checkup the vet said her lungs are starting to fill with fluid again but otherwise she seems ok considering her condition.

This past wednesday evening I came home from work and found that she had thrown up blood, it was very red and thick and looked like ketchup. We immedietly rushed her to the emergency vet, where they checked her vitals and said that she had a low heart and breathing rate, and a little low temp, but otherwise she looked ok and the vet switched one of her meds (from plavix to baby aspirin), and upped another med, and sent us home.

Thursday evening she had blood in her stool, and after she went she was leaking a runny bloody mess from her tush for a minute or so. She is drinking, but I don't think she has eaten since the vomiting incident. She is very lethargic (even more than usual). I guess all these makes sense, if he vomited blood and didn't get it all out it would pass through her stool, and if she had a bloody stomach it's not surprising if she doesn't want to eat.

I just called the vet to schedule an appointment with the cardiologist so we can get her checked out again and get another echo, I'm waiting for a call back since she was in surgery when I called.

Can anyone related? I'm worried :*( I'm scared

 

[NinaGato]

I am sending you a private conversation.

 

[assibassi]

Praying for Your baby !! I am sorry she is going thru this and You as well.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Extra prayers sent

 

[cleozmama]

Sending positive thoughts your way!

 

[1sphynxlover]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

 

[gojennings]

Hugs and prayers.