My Sphynx (Wren) has been recently “coughing” or “wheezing” periodically - I would say a few times a week for the last 2 weeks. I’m hoping it’s asthma or some respiratory infection, but, fearful it could be HCM? She has a vet appt in two days and I’ll show the video. Anything specific I should ask for? I think they’ll listen to her heart and chest and probably do x-rays. Thoughts?!
Help! What do you think this cough is?
- Thread starter Rennerj
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She just turned 4. I’ve had her since she was a kitten. Otherwise healthy in her previous vet checkups.
She’s just turned 4 and had her since 8 weeks old. Otherwise healthy on all her previous checkups. We just moved to a new apartment and I had to change the air filter. Really hoping it’s something like that - concern is definitely around HCM so I’ll be asking for at least xrays.
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tagging @Catzzzmeow
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@Rennerj , awh.. hugs n positive vibes for baby Wren.
***did this just start with then new move into the apartment?
brought on with exercise?
when you change air filter, do you use only of those scented air filter perfume sheet attachments?
do you use any plug in air fresheners, essential oil diffusers etc? (essential oils can be toxic)
glad you have a vet appointment. glad you are taking video to show vet. any sneezing, running eyes? rule out stress related URI from the move?
ask vet to have a good listen to heart for any murmurs.
be sure to tell vet when first noticed symptoms / and if it started with moving into your new apartment.
hugs n positive thoughts for Wren. please keep us updated. all paws are family.
***did this just start with then new move into the apartment?
brought on with exercise?
when you change air filter, do you use only of those scented air filter perfume sheet attachments?
do you use any plug in air fresheners, essential oil diffusers etc? (essential oils can be toxic)
glad you have a vet appointment. glad you are taking video to show vet. any sneezing, running eyes? rule out stress related URI from the move?
ask vet to have a good listen to heart for any murmurs.
be sure to tell vet when first noticed symptoms / and if it started with moving into your new apartment.
hugs n positive thoughts for Wren. please keep us updated. all paws are family.
Thanks everyone! We do use essential oil diffusers and really just started them when we moved. The air filter is non-scented and the last one before we moved in was gross. Had no clue about the oil diffusers. She seems just as normal and energetic as always just now with that horrible periodic cough. I’m definitely going to ask for the murmurs and inquire about X-rays! I know cough is a “rare” sign of HCM but I’ve seen more posts about the cough being potentially HCM more than not!
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone!
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@Rennerj , I would highly recommend stopping the oil diffusers. can be toxic. let us know if you see improvement after ceasing. keep us updated , hugs n positive vibes for baby Wren.
also sharing for info, himalayan salt lamps can be toxic if licking it...
do you use scented litter? this can cause issues too for some. I had to switch to unscented .. using dr elseys ultra unscented here
also sharing for info, himalayan salt lamps can be toxic if licking it...
do you use scented litter? this can cause issues too for some. I had to switch to unscented .. using dr elseys ultra unscented here
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@Rennerj , sharing to all
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Essential Oils and Cats
Essential oils and cats are not always safe to be around together. Learn about the dangers of essential oil poisoning and their potential toxicity to cats.
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Hi everyone,
I brought Wren to the vet on Wednesday. A few things:
- no heart murmurs
- lungs sounded clear
- but she does have a high heart rate of 220
He suggested a few things:
- fecal sample for any parasites
- could be a nasal polyp
- could be respiratory due to oils, candles, etc.
He wants to do fecal sample first, then blood work, and so on. She had another episode this morning at like 2am (Saturday 2/5). I mentioned my fear of HCM to him and he didn’t seem that knowledgeable on it other than saying she has no murmurs and slightly high BPM which could suggest an enlarged heart. He has a cardiologist he could refer me to.
I’m driving myself nuts trying to read up on HCM and cough/wheezing like symptoms. Most things I read is that cough really isn’t a symptom - but then I read where I can be especially in CHF if fluid is building on her lungs. Again, she seems energetic, eating, and her typical self.
I guess I might just do the ECG anyways for a peace of mind.
Thoughts?
I brought Wren to the vet on Wednesday. A few things:
- no heart murmurs
- lungs sounded clear
- but she does have a high heart rate of 220
He suggested a few things:
- fecal sample for any parasites
- could be a nasal polyp
- could be respiratory due to oils, candles, etc.
He wants to do fecal sample first, then blood work, and so on. She had another episode this morning at like 2am (Saturday 2/5). I mentioned my fear of HCM to him and he didn’t seem that knowledgeable on it other than saying she has no murmurs and slightly high BPM which could suggest an enlarged heart. He has a cardiologist he could refer me to.
I’m driving myself nuts trying to read up on HCM and cough/wheezing like symptoms. Most things I read is that cough really isn’t a symptom - but then I read where I can be especially in CHF if fluid is building on her lungs. Again, she seems energetic, eating, and her typical self.
I guess I might just do the ECG anyways for a peace of mind.
Thoughts?
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It’s always great to get a baseline heart scan. Unfortunately heart issues have started to plague this breed and even the best breeders are not free of it. We can’t forget heart disease is an issue in cats in general just like humans. only about 50% with HCM ever exhibit a murmur and this is why scanning is great…it is truly the only way to see what is really going on with the heart. The other 50% who never saw symptoms/no murmur it is a shock to owners and devastating when the cat goes into CHF or full heart failure. @Rennerj so even if symptoms re not heart related, you will have a good baseline and feel better I bet.
Agreed. I called the only cardiologist group in the area and they’re closed saturdays but my vet told me better call because it is a wait to get an appt. I agree with biting the bullet and getting the scan done even though it’s scary.
What do you find ECG’s cost? Everything I’ve read was $400-500 for a scan.
What do you find ECG’s cost? Everything I’ve read was $400-500 for a scan.