How Common Are Serious Health Issues?

[Callmemrsbill]

I have had Ra going on 12 years now. He has been a very healthy cat, so my vet bills have been the normal "Checkups". Two years ago he was diagnosed with a heart murmur, and a month ago he had to have an abscess drained from his anal gland. Other than those two things (and the occasional bout of diarrhea, which seems to be common in this breed) he is a happy and healthy little guy.
I want to take a moment to tell you that I am sorry about your loss, but want to congratulate you on your two little babies..I can't wait to see pictures

 

[Caloci]

Vito has gingivitis and was just diagnosed with HOCM (not HCM like previously reported). He also seems to have a touch of colitis and the last bit of every bowel movement is soft. Sometimes this gets on blankets and sheets or the floor.

He had a dental last year and had one tooth extracted. While HOCM is a serious condition it really depends how it develops. It is a progressive disease but it could progress slowly. Meds can slow it down but we are not there yet. All in all he is fairly healthy and his disease is not affecting his life at this stage. Vito will be 4 in April.

 

[ilovedirt]

All the best to Mr. Vito <3 What's the difference between HOCM and HCM?

 

[Caloci]

All the best to Mr. Vito <3 What's the difference between HOCM and HCM?

It's very similar but it also affects the valves which obstructs the blood flow. The o stands for obstructive. From what I have been able to find out it just means that it affects more of than just the heart walls. Hopefully ZiggyStardust will correct me if I don't have it right.

 

[logiquementfou]

Heartily recommend gopetplan.com for pet insurance. Amazing for these guys that can get semi strange things happening.

 

[Diane Davies]

I have a white Sphynx called Ralph he is almost three years old and apart from his vaccines he has never had to go to the vet or have any treatments.
My Siamese Jasper had FIP and passed away at just eleven months old. I was completely devastated by the lose as prior to the illness he had been so healthy, or so I thought. I had never known anyone who had experienced this cruel illness and when it struck my darling boy I was completely bereft. I think of him all the time and I feel so sad that he missed such a good life with me and my other cats.
Sphynx are more hardy than they look, they appear so vulnerable as they have no hair and they look so baby like. Ralph can hold his own with my other three cats and is always first in line for. Love or treats.
Don't let your loss put you off having another Sphynx, no cat will replace him but another one will give you love and pleasure.
Diane >^..^<

 

[Gizasmom]

Hi. I am one of those people that lurks around on Sphynx Lair, but never posts. I enjoy the forum very much.

I am hoping that some of you who have kept sphynx's for awhile will be willing to say how long you have had your cat(s), and if you have had any serious health issues with them. It is kind of hard to define "serious", but I am thinking of the kind of thing that requires vet care. Money seems like an odd way to rank things, but I would think that something that cost over $500 at the vet could probably be considered serious.

I know that sphynx's are a healthy breed, and have read everything I can find about health issues they might encounter, including many of the threads on the health forum. It is hard to get a feeling for how "common" those issues are from reading about individual cases though. I highly value personal real-life experiences, and would love to hear from as many people as possible.

This question is partly due to my recent experience of losing my sphynx/elf to FIP. I am aware that FIP is extremely rare, and hopefully I will never ever experience that horrible condition again.

I can't imagine not having a sphynx now that I have had the opportunity to live with one, even though it was only for a few months. After the major expense for care and treatment of my guy, I thought it would be a good idea to get as much information as possible about how common major expenses are before I bring another sphynx home, just to be as prepared as possible. If anyone wants to take the time to share their personal experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

Can you private message me and please tell me what breeder you used...I am here in AZ as well.....I am getting our kitten here in 5 weeks! can't even imagine! sorry for your loss...I am here in Gilbert...are you in the valley? :Laugh:

 

[GoldHazel]

Hi. I am one of those people that lurks around on Sphynx Lair, but never posts. I enjoy the forum very much.

This question is partly due to my recent experience of losing my sphynx/elf to FIP. I am aware that FIP is extremely rare, and hopefully I will never ever experience that horrible condition again.

I can't imagine not having a sphynx now that I have had the opportunity to live with one, even though it was only for a few months. .

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine my life without my three boys. So sad I feel like crying.

 

[Emily0404]

So sorry to hear you also lost a kitty to FIP has to be the most traumatic disease for pet and owner. I lost my nala to it and I grieved as tho she were a human
I'm happy for you getting 2 new babies we just got our first sphynx yesterday and I'm overjoyed with him!! Enjoy your new additions too xx

 

[andyhoi]

Maeby was diagnosed with Megacolon recently. It was quite expensive to deal with ($1000+).

 

[beckicu]

Hi. I am one of those people that lurks around on Sphynx Lair, but never posts. I enjoy the forum very much.

I am hoping that some of you who have kept sphynx's for awhile will be willing to say how long you have had your cat(s), and if you have had any serious health issues with them. It is kind of hard to define "serious", but I am thinking of the kind of thing that requires vet care. Money seems like an odd way to rank things, but I would think that something that cost over $500 at the vet could probably be considered serious.

I know that sphynx's are a healthy breed, and have read everything I can find about health issues they might encounter, including many of the threads on the health forum. It is hard to get a feeling for how "common" those issues are from reading about individual cases though. I highly value personal real-life experiences, and would love to hear from as many people as possible.

This question is partly due to my recent experience of losing my sphynx/elf to FIP. I am aware that FIP is extremely rare, and hopefully I will never ever experience that horrible condition again.

I can't imagine not having a sphynx now that I have had the opportunity to live with one, even though it was only for a few months. After the major expense for care and treatment of my guy, I thought it would be a good idea to get as much information as possible about how common major expenses are before I bring another sphynx home, just to be as prepared as possible. If anyone wants to take the time to share their personal experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

Although I consider my three cats on the whole healthy -I've had thousands and thousands of dollars in medical bills with them. I would strongly suggest pet insurance at least after the age of four .
All three of my cats have issues with teeth so dental care is really important And ongoing. We've had upper respiratory and guarida -Each were resistant against antibiotics and we had to try courses of different types. My accident prone Oscar had the tip of his tail closed in the door he then would not leave it alone he actually chewed the very tip until it had to be amputated-he had To wear a collar for about six months! No sooner did he get the collar off & his tail healed when he fell off the stairs & broke his leg-His cast had to be changed each week because we were concerned about his skin-Translation: many appointments and much expense.
Within weeks of his leg healing-He fell off the stairs AGAIN breaking his other leg-It had to be pinned and a ligament had to be re- attached by a specialist surgeon, And then back to the weekly appointments-Leg healed...he jumped off the refrigerator and re injured the pinned leg,had to go back into surgery to have the bent pin removed!
The staircase has been remodeled and is cat proofed! the kitchen has been remodeled and has been cat proofed!
I firmly believe that when you bring a pet into your life you are responsible to the absolute best of your ability- for their health and care....but I sure wish I would've had pet insurance!

 

[spikesmom]

I have had my first sphynx, a male black/white van, for nearly 5 years. He's 5 years old this last July. both of his parents scanned negative for heart issues. Spike was diagnosed in August with very early hypertrophic cardio myopathy (enlarged muscle in left ventricle chamber of the heart.) I took him in for an eye infection (something he gets once in a while that we treat with lysine and drops) and the vet heard a mild heart murmur that wasn't there before. I immediately got him in to the cardiologist for an ultrasound. That costs nearly $500 . The vet is not as worried as I am (since this is an issue for sphynx) and said to retest in 6 m to a year. but that is not good enough for me. we started him on meds (atenolol) so that he doesn't overwork his heart, and cause the muscle to thicken more. So, in order to make sure his meds are working (preventing the heart muscle from thickening any further), I am gong to have him ultrasounded at 3 months after his initial so we can see how fast the progression is. Hopefully we halted it. From first vet visit (for the eye) and the heart, and the recheck for meds, it cost me nearly $700. at the 12 week mark, it will probably cost another $500-600 because he has to be sedated (he gets very stressed out, and that is bad for his heart. so knocking him out is best). I am very grateful that I have the means to provide veterinary care for them. I know not everyone is able to. and it doesn't mean the person loves their kitty any less.

 

[Embracing-Joyx4]

I was considering getting insurance and after reading this iam going to follow up on my initial phone call and secure it for all my nakids for peace of mind. Thanks Xtina

 

[Scarfie]

Jeesh, after reading all this I will definitely get pet insurance when the time comes. I was thinking it might be a good idea, but I could have seen myself not ending up doing it. But now? Requirement.

 

[Tiffany_Kay]

other than Izzy's check ups she is never at the vet. luckily i have a pretty healthy cat

 

[pussiette]

Over 1000$ and ongoing have pet insurance but have had to fight for review to get paid.

 

[pussiette]

Thanks---but she deserves the credit-- she had such a will to live. She wanted to live her life with us and we all (my animals and I--you should've seen my animals--it was remarkable how they rallied around her so tenderly and did anything they could to make her feel loved--I could cry just thinking about it--if anyone ever says animals don't feel things deeply I will laugh at them). Anyway, I can't take the credit--I told her as long as she was fighting, I would be too. She never gave up on me, so I couldn't give up on her. I love her like crazy. I thought for sure I would lose her--you can plainly see by the picture how bad off she was.....I must've cried a million tears. Everyone here prayed for her and wished us well--lots of folks here know and love Miss Candy Cane. They know how badly she wanted to make it....we are so thankful for their love and prayers. She is a happy little girl now--not perfectly healthy, but I am bothered by her snarky breathing more than she is--she is not in any kind of distress, but I wish she were perfectly well. I just want her to have a good life filled with love and affection and I think she does.
Thanks so much for the praise though...
Hugs,
Susi

You are an amazing lady xx

 

[PrimateLove]

Our total out of pocket on Emma Leigh is in the range of 6-7K due to her cancer diagnosis. Lucky we got pet insurance and have only paid 100 dollars total which was the deductable. I highly recommend pet insurance if you can.

 

[susi794]

You are an amazing lady xx

Thanks, I am humbled by your praise. How nice you are!

 

[pussiette]

Our total out of pocket on Emma Leigh is in the range of 6-7K due to her cancer diagnosis. Lucky we got pet insurance and have only paid 100 dollars total which was the deductable. I highly recommend pet insurance if you can.

Sorry to hear of the cancer

 

[PrimateLove]

Sorry to hear of the cancer

Thanks so much! She is a trooper and the bravest kitty I know! I will do everything in my power to fight for her as long as she is not in pain.

HUGS

 

[pussiette]

Thanks so much! She is a trooper and the bravest kitty I know! I will do everything in my power to fight for her as long as she is not in pain.

HUGS

Massive hugs to you and gentle pats to your babyx

 

[pussiette]

Hope em is having a good day x

 

[sciumi]

Astor died at 2.5 years old from chronic renal failure (diagnosed at 2 years old). We also learned that he had HCM close to the end of his life, but his kidneys were so far gone, it didn't matter. He also had a horrible intestinal virus of some sort when he was a year old--five days in the hospital, $5000. That was before I got insurance, but after I got insurance, I was able to pay for his intensive kidney care without too much harm to my pocket book.

I'm doing some reading on HCM and, once again, I am reading that while some purebreds appear to have a predisposition to the disease (Maine Coons, Ragdolls, oriental breeds, Persians, and maybe ASH? I'm not positive on that one), there are still more domestic shorthairs diagnosed with HCM overall. So...I guess none of us are safe

 

[Baby Blu]

Pussiette, what kind of pet insurance do you have? How can I apply?