Heading Towards CHF…

[Crayne]

Got the news yesterday that Woodys heart has enlarged & the cardiologist said he is heading towards heart failure.
I went over symptoms with them & know to watch for
-lethargy
-breathing changes
-leg paralysis

Is there anything else to be aware of to look for? I hate not knowing when it may happen.
I also didn’t ask my cardiologist, but I wonder if there’s a better food to switch to for him, or anything else that can be done. I read just to give medications at the same time each day & keep him from stressful environments… I am trying to refrain from getting obsessed with searching for alternative therapies just because I don’t want to risk anything.
Any advice or any encouragement would be helpful. Thank you. I knew it would eventually come but it doesn’t make it any easier…

 

[Yoda mom]

@Crayne hugs, deep breath. I am sorry for the news on sweet Woody. how old is Woody now? it is a gut punch I know. I am glad you are proactive. just be sure not to go down the "google rabbit hole" .

several of us have been on the journey . we are here for you.
many do well on medications. did your vet start heart meds and other meds diuretics for his lungs? if so, please list.
mine also got clopidogrel as a preventative for clots. some of us joined the fb feline hearts group.
I learned how to count respiration rate. I use ** low sodium Weruva press your lunch food mixed with water. your vet can answer food recommendations questions for Woody.
yes, meds on same time important.
I also monitored body... felt body for any rear leg coolness or shaking rear legs like cat litter stuck, and combination watched for low crawling or voice meow changes or guttural meow and contacted vet asap.

When mine were diagnosed, I gave a big head smooch and said "we got this". gave meds and carried on every day a gift. Remember, our babies have no idea what reports say, they live in the moment. Woody only knows your love. glad you are researching and asking questions. you are not alone. we gotcha Team Woody. hugs n positive vibe head smooches.

 

[Crayne]

@Crayne hugs, deep breath. I am sorry for the news on sweet Woody. how old is Woody now? it is a gut punch I know. I am glad you are proactive. just be sure not to go down the "google rabbit hole" .

several of us have been on the journey . we are here for you.
many do well on medications. did your vet start heart meds and other meds diuretics for his lungs? if so, please list.
mine also got clopidogrel as a preventative for clots. some of us joined the fb feline hearts group.
I learned how to count respiration rate. I use ** low sodium Weruva press your lunch food mixed with water. your vet can answer food recommendations questions for Woody.
yes, meds on same time important.
I also monitored body... felt body for any rear leg coolness or shaking rear legs like cat litter stuck, and combination watched for low crawling or voice meow changes or guttural meow and contacted vet asap.

When mine were diagnosed, I gave a big head smooch and said "we got this". gave meds and carried on every day a gift. Remember, our babies have no idea what reports say, they live in the moment. Woody only knows your love. glad you are researching and asking questions. you are not alone. we gotcha Team Woody. hugs n positive vibe head smooches.

3 years old, 4 this September. He has been on 3/4 tab atenolol 12.5 mg , 1/4 tab 75 mg clopidogrel, 1/4 tab 25 mg spironolactone all in morning & 1/4 25 mg Atenolol in evening.
He was increased to 1/4 25 mg spironolactone 2x a day after the visit yesterday. It’s hard finding food that don’t mess w/ his stomach& he tolerates Weruva wet food & Purina One Sensitive Skin & Stomach dry food.

Do you mean shaking similar to when litter is stuck?

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I know how stressful this is. It is hard not to be a helicopter parent…I would check breathing rate a few times a day while they were sleeping. Positive vibes are sent.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Crayne , checking in on you and Woody. here for you.

these were my boy's prescribed meds:

Furosemide , Benazepril, Clopidogrel, Spironolactone , meds were adjusted when his breathing rate increased over a few months.

I kept even times at 7 am and 7 pm always giving at same time got in a routine calling it "strong boy" time followed by a little treat .
@Crayne, to answer your question yes I watched for more than normal shaking and stretching out rear leg as if litter stuck in toe beans along with more licking of rear legs base of tail. it was a distinct difference out of the normal .
I also watched for coughing at night. when it increased from the one or two quick coughs, I contacted my vet and the meds were adjusted and helped.


I let my babies continue to enjoy what they do. Mine loved his cat wheel.. I told my vet, heck going to let him enjoy what he does just telling him to go slooow instead of fast on his cat wheel. I taught him to walk sloowly and he talked all the way My vet said she let hers do their fav things too. they have no idea what films and reports say, they truly only know our love.

Woody has the bestest mum and your lair family is here for you.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Crayne , you and Woody on my heart and mind. all paws are family. please keep us updated. we are here for you. hugs n postiive vibe head smooches.