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HOCM Grade 4 murmur

mcdonald570

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Hello, this is my first post. I became the owner of 2 beautiful sisters towards the end of June this year. My one kitten, Oni was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur while at the vet. So, I traveled from Scranton, PA to Philadelphia this week for her to be seen by a feline cardiologist and for her first ECHO. She is only 8 months old and has been prescribed Atenolol. The cardiologist explained the risk of sudden death and signs to look out for if blood clotting may occur.
I previously called and emailed the breeder in Ohio for another problem where scar tissue was discovered on her left eye causing a constant runny/leaking eye. I wanted to know what type of trauma (if known) had occurred. I called/emailed again with the most recent news. Yet again, I have not heard back from the breeder. I would like to prevent others from going through the same heartache that we are experiencing. The most recent procedures and consultations alone have gotten up to $700, not including medications. But, the finances are nothing to hearing that there is a chance she may suddenly die from this disease and that her life expectancy is only 5-7 years. She hasn't even celebrated her first birthday yet.
Any advice?
 

Gullivers Keeper

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I'm sorry, that is exactly what my Gulliver has, he was diagnosed just this last September when he was only 15 months old. My breeder did respond and gave us another kitten since she has a health guarantee and truly felt awful about breeding a cat with HOCM. She even scans her cats.

If the breeder is not responding, there is not much you can do. Mews2much may be able to help. There are a lot of people here with a lot of information.
 

Harry Spotter

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We had the same problem with Harry Spotter, we only had him for a few months when a heart murmur was discovered. We tookhim to a heart specialist, he is on Atenol every morning. They said he might not live to age 3, in May he will celebrate his 5th birtthday. He is a level 3. I called the breeder and she offered a new kitty, at that point we could not part with him. Obviously we kept him. Then last year we we did take another kitten from her that was supposed to be healthy and she has gum problems, eye problems, virus, she was one sick kiity and made Harry sick. She did give us our money back for Fiona. I think there is so much inbreeding going on that most of the Sphynx have HCM. I would ask for my money back from the breeder . Good luck!
 

Gullivers Keeper

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So far Bacon is healthy he did have some worms and has diarrhea still sometimes, but for a while amyway we have 2 Sphynx's (she let us keep Gulliver) and that's a whole lot of NAKED love!!!

We never really know how much time we have with them, so love em all you can!!!!
 

Mews2much

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Prayers for your cat.
Sadly to say if the breeder is who I think do not expect any replies.
 
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Welcome to the Lair! So sorry to hear about your baby's heart problems. There are various medicines that can help and you will want to keep up with your regular visits for monitoring. Take a look at your contract and see what it says. Many only offer a 1 year heath guarantee and often HCM shows up after that. However, it is a moot point if the breeder is not getting back to you. There are a lot of people here that have cats with HCM and can offer great advice.
 

mcdonald570

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I didn't ask for a contract, since we were only looking for a pet with no interest in breeding ourselves. And I would never want to return her for a different kitten. She means a lot to me and I could not think of parting ways.
I read the prior Gulliver information while searching this site, it is very hopeful. Thank you all for such kind words. We are going on Monday for her sister to have an examination. Hopefully, she is in better health.
 

pooner

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I'm so sorry that your breeder is not responding to you. Most reputable breeders would return your calls immediately. I know the breeder who I bought from was heartbroken, my sphynx was her first one ever to have HCM and she does screen her cats. My sphynx was diagnosed at 1 year old he had a level6 heart murmur with regurgitation. His cardiologist put him on atenelol and he takes it twice a day. We are going this month for a cardio follow up however his regular vet has listened to his heart multiple times over the last 6-7 months and the murmur has decreased and she no longer hears a gallop. Pooner is 18 months old, he was given prognosis of 8yrs old if we are lucky. We just love him every day and cherish our time with him. I do worry every time he is have a lazy day, I get paranoid that something is wrong:Sweat:

My advice is to just keep your spirits high and love your kitty as much as humanly possible. If you ever need support their are lots of us on the lair to give it to you. I really hope the sister sphynx is healthy.
 

Gullivers Keeper

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We just love him every day and cherish our time with him. I do worry every time he is have a lazy day, I get paranoid that something is wrong:Sweat:
.

Me too, I worry everyday, we should stop the worrying, and just keep up to loving, what shall be shall be, I know we are doing the best we can to keep them happy and healthy!!
 

Bella07

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I am so sorry to hear about your poor baby! At least she has you to love and take care of her. Sadly, without a contract, really the breeder is under no legal obligation to help you. If she isn't responding, well, that just shows the type of breeder that she truly is.....As a future reference, even if you are bringing home a pet kitten, all reputable provide a contract. This includes a health guarantee. They are made to protect both you and the kitten, including the breeder. There are a few websites online that you can write a review/complain about your breeder; in order to spread the word if you feel that is necessary. Would you please PM your breeders cattery name? I am in PA, and it would be helpful to know. Best of Luck to your sweetie!
 

Gizzymom

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Hello, this is my first post. I became the owner of 2 beautiful sisters towards the end of June this year. My one kitten, Oni was diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur while at the vet. So, I traveled from Scranton, PA to Philadelphia this week for her to be seen by a feline cardiologist and for her first ECHO. She is only 8 months old and has been prescribed Atenolol. The cardiologist explained the risk of sudden death and signs to look out for if blood clotting may occur.
I previously called and emailed the breeder in Ohio for another problem where scar tissue was discovered on her left eye causing a constant runny/leaking eye. I wanted to know what type of trauma (if known) had occurred. I called/emailed again with the most recent news. Yet again, I have not heard back from the breeder. I would like to prevent others from going through the same heartache that we are experiencing. The most recent procedures and consultations alone have gotten up to $700, not including medications. But, the finances are nothing to hearing that there is a chance she may suddenly die from this disease and that her life expectancy is only 5-7 years. She hasn't even celebrated her first birthday yet.
Any advice?


I am so sorry that you are going through this.. We will be keeping our fingers and paws crossed that everything is OK with Akasha. The girls are beautiful... Which is which?

Also... breeder in Ohio? Can you please PM me the info. Gizzy's old breeder ( as well as Blue and Bayleigh of KiennasMom) moved to Ohio.. but she had stopped breeding. Hoping it is not her :(
 

marlene

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Hello and welcome to the lair. I'm very sorry to hear about Oni. Hopefully you can keep it under control and have some years of love and happiness together.
 

MissMySphynxBoys

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Welcome to Sphynx Lair. I'm sorry to hear about Oni. I wish her breeder was supportive. I hope her sister is found to be in good health.
 

NinaGato

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I have a lot of sympathy for what you are going through. I have had two heart cats.
Welcome to the lair and I hope you can glean some good advice from all the members experience.
 

kiennasmom

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Welcome to the Lair. I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty and know the HCM story all too well. 2 of my sphynx have passed from HCH (RIP) and 1 of my 2 now has it. Bayleigh is on Atenelol daily, like many of the HCM+ kitties here. It's heartbreaking to live with! If I hear an unusual sound, or she seems too tired, or I haven't seen her eat or she even squeaks in her sleep, I worry that this is the end. :Cry: You are being a great cat-mom by providing the best possible treatment. Other than that, all you can do is love 'em while you got 'em and cherish every single moment. There are quite a few of us on SL who have been down the path and we'll all be glad to support you in any way we can!
 

mcdonald570

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I am glad to report that Akasha has very mild (Stage 1) heart murmur. The vet was not at all concerned and said it could even be attributed to the stress of an unfamiliar situation.
Thank you all so very much for such kind words and positive feelings. It really has been helpful when the racing "what if" thoughts begin. I feel so much better knowing at this time only one is ill. And really... looking at her, she seems so happy and content. I would have never known.
Thank you again :)
 

Gullivers Keeper

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I am glad to report that Akasha has very mild (Stage 1) heart murmur. The vet was not at all concerned and said it could even be attributed to the stress of an unfamiliar situation.
Thank you all so very much for such kind words and positive feelings. It really has been helpful when the racing "what if" thoughts begin. I feel so much better knowing at this time only one is ill. And really... looking at her, she seems so happy and content. I would have never known.
Thank you again :)

The grade of murmur does not indicate how serious hcm is you should get echos from a certified cardiologist and get them on medication so you can have more time with them. Murmur is also not always hcm, only an echo can tell you.
 
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