Heart Murmur

[gladysh]

The worst thing to hear is that your vet found a heart murmur that wasn't there 6 months ago. From 1-6 , 6 being the worst she gave him a 4. I almost lost it and started to cry. Unfortunately, in the economic situation that we are now we can't take him to a specialist. So our vet told us she's willing to work with us and hopes it will not advance so fast. Crossing my fingers it won't. Any advice? Any links? TIA :cry:

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I know it must have been a very scary day and everything is a blur. Just know your baby knows nothing different. There are several members who have been very successful with meds after their babies were diagnosed with HCM. @ZiggyStardust @zoinks might have some info to share if in fact vet has diagnosed it as that.

Patti

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I'm so sorry. Maybe with medicine it won't advance.
I pray for your baby.

 

[ZiggyStardust]

I am so very sorry you heard the dreaded word murmur! Things to watch for: Is your baby having any fast breathing or exercise intolerance? Check and watch his resting breathing rate and observe if he seems to get out of breath fast when you play. Also watch if he will no longer lay on his side. These are signs that there may be fluid building up.

Ash's vet heard a 4/5 murmur when we first adopted him. An echocardiogram diagnosed HOCM and he was placed on Atenolol and Enalapril and then eventually clopidogrel (plavix). Over the last 6 years there has been some progression - going from mild to moderate - however the obstruction (the O in HOCM) is no longer seen and his murmur is down to a 1/2 with them sometimes being unable to hear it. I guess there have been some recent studies that say Atenolol has no effect slowing the progression of HCM, but after 6 years I have no intention of taking him off of it to see.

Sending prayers for you and your baby!

 

[NinaGato]

I understand how scary it can be. I have had 2 Sphynx with cardiovascular issues. The best advice I can give is love them every day as well as you can until you can't. It really depends on how old the cat is and how quickly it progesses. Just know there are a lot of us here willing to listen.

 

[HappyLilSphynx]

My little one was diagnosed with heart issues just over a year ago, and it breaks my heart every day.

My advice is to check different vet hospitals and clinics in your area - the vet clinic I now go to charges just under $250 for the scan (still expensive - I know, especially since I was job hunting at time time!), but other places I called charged a lot more for the same thing (the nearest vet school charges almost $500 for the initial scan/visit!). As much as I didn't want the bad news, I knew my little peanut was in good hands! Unfortunately, she hasn't been responding as well to the meds - at her 6 month checkup, there was progress ... less than 7 months later, all of the progress had been undone and her heart was worse than ever before But, as someone here mentioned, she doesn't know any different - and, for now, she's still asymptomatic (save for a slightly higher respiratory rate than normal!)

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I responded to your other post...just know we are here for you and we understand what naked love is all about. I am happy you jumped in and started actively posting. Your experience will no doubt help educate members here in the future. Please keep us updated.


Patti

 

[Toa and Ross]

So sorry for you. Keeping all fingers and paws crossed here!