HOCM help!

[Kari Swenson]

My little 18 month old Axel was diagnosed with HOMC this afternoon! I'm heartbroken! Any advice would be appreciated! We started him on blood thinners right away and I'm waiting for a special ordered med for his heart. I was told to switch to low sodium diet. Please does anyone know if raw is low sodium? I feed Rad Cat and he gets a mixture of all proteins but mostly venison and pork. Ugh, I don't know what to do or where to start! Any stories or advice would help calm my anxiety, I wasn't prepared for this diagnosis, not that you ever are! Thanks!

 

[Toa and Ross]

So sorry to hear about this diagnosis. I’m not experienced in HOCM so can’t give any advice but wante to chime in to sent healing vibes to Axel and hugs to you.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I am so sorry to hear of this. Please don’t let the fear of the future ruin your joy of the present. We lost our boy to HCM last year, but at the age of 13. The best advice I can give you is to start monitoring their breathing rate while at complete rest and not purring. Log it daily. If you see an increase get to the vet. Breathing is the first sign of CHF (congestive heart failure) if caught early the chances of getting the fluid off are much better. Big deep breaths enjoy life...I know it is so to wrap your head around it right now. But I promised myself my babies will know nothing but my love and have as normal of a life as possible no matter what.

Patti

 

[Kari Swenson]

Thanks you so much! How long did your baby live with HCM?

 

[Anna W]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I was searching around and wanted to add my two cents here.

My cat was diagnosed with HCM 12 years ago. It has only progressed slightly in that time. He takes a very small amount of Benezapril and we added a blood thinner only a few months ago as a preventative.
A cat can live a normal, healthy life with HCM. My boy has had zero complications in all this time. His echocardiogram last week came back with no changes. Only minor changes ever in fact from the very first time he was diagnosed with HCM over 12 years ago.

 

[Yoda mom]

@Anna W , thank you for sharing .. It gives me hope too with my crew (((hugs)))
We all need some encouragement
Amd wow .. You brought it
Head smooches sent !