Oh no, I wanna cry =(

[lunasmum]

As many of you know Lunas got a heart condition which shes had since I recieved her at 14-16weeks of age, and its progressed quite quickly. Today I checked on the breeders page as I do reguarly to see whats going on with new kits etc. And found a post. Her prized Sphynx (whos happens to be Lunas father) has passed away from HCM, I guess now this confirms Lunas diagnosis, shes booked in for a scan tomorrow too to see what treatment options we might have to prolong her life. What timeing

Just wondering if anyone has or has had a Sphynx with HCM and what I should or should not do to help her live longer. And also what if any treatment options may be available.

Feeling shattered right now, a part of me knew that her bloodlines might have had this possibility because of her heart problems but I didnt want to believe it

 

[ZiggyStardust]

I am so sorry. I don't have a sphynx with HCM, but a Cornish Rex, who unfortunately had been a stud, so I'm worried about how many out there with his children are going through what you are now. (Ash's is actually HOCM, but it's still HCM just with obstruction.)

First step is getting the scan and seeing where she is. Ash was given meds: Atenolol and Enalapril. It has definitely helped him. He went from a 4-5 murmur to a 2, and the last three scans they haven't seen any progression. I try to keep him as close to regular as possible on his pill schedule. I also suggest learning her resting breathing rate and checking it so that if you notice it increase you can get her right in.

::HUGS:: to you and Luna!

 

[susi794]

I am so terribly sorry to hear this--please keep us updated about the scan results. I am sorry I don't have any experience with how to care for a cat with HCM. I know how devastated you must feel. I'm sending Lair prayers to you and Luna that if she indeed has it, that it is a mild case and that meds can take care of it, giving her a very long and comfortable life.

 

[GoldHazel]

As many of you know Lunas got a heart condition which shes had since I recieved her at 14-16weeks of age, and its progressed quite quickly. Today I checked on the breeders page as I do reguarly to see whats going on with new kits etc. And found a post. Her prized Sphynx (whos happens to be Lunas father) has passed away from HCM, I guess now this confirms Lunas diagnosis, shes booked in for a scan tomorrow too to see what treatment options we might have to prolong her life. What timeing

Just wondering if anyone has or has had a Sphynx with HCM and what I should or should not do to help her live longer. And also what if any treatment options may be available.

Feeling shattered right now, a part of me knew that her bloodlines might have had this possibility because of her heart problems but I didnt want to believe it

I'm sending you big hugs to try to make you feel better. I know that you are going to do everything you can for Luna. People with experience will chime in and give you lots of info I'm sure. Hang in there...let out the tears, then be strong for Luna.

 

[NinaGato]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Wait and see what the results of the scan say and take it from there. I know how much you love your girl and how hard this is to deal with. Wush our babies didn't have this diease in their genetics.

 

[Caloci]

Mr Vito has HOCM too and he lives a very normal life other than his allergies which we are trying to figure out. It all depends on severity and progression. Treatment can help a lot. Get a scan and talk to the cardiologist. Some of these guys live their whole lives with this disease and no one ever knows and they pass from other things.

Don't panic yet, find out what you are up against. I am sorry you are going through this. Hugs.

 

[abbietron]

I'm so sorry you have this news hanging over you. Hoping Luna is able to live a long life with modern medicine. Love from Elvis and I ♥

 

[lucylue]

I am so sorry!

 

[Nofuratu]

Very sorry about your kitty!

I have two cats with HCM, HOCM actually. They are both from different breeders too so I am especially lucky to have two cats that have tested positive! LOL

The first medication cardiologists recommend is Atenolol, a cheap pill which reduces the force of the contractions. I got great advice from other people with HCM positive cats, that you should start EARLY with the atenolol! My cardiologist said to wait, but I knew of 3 cats who started atenolol and their next scan had showed a reversal, or stasis of the disease so at the very least it can slow the progression of things!

My first HOCM positive cat, Nofuratu, has been on Atenolol for a year. His scan last year showed mod/severe HOCM and this years scan showed he is back down to just moderate!!!! I thought he would be dead by now for sure. He is 5 but the cardiologist was hopeful at this last scan because the atenolol is working.

My 2nd HOCM positive cat, Count Von Count, just started atenolol a few months ago. He has severe HOCM and his prognosis is poor. He was diagnosed at 1yr. Waiting for his next scan and hoping the atenolol will by him more time.

Other than that you need to monitor your cat for symptoms, such as open mouth breathing, lying on their side when sleeping, lethargy. When you start the meds you will take daily respiration/heart rate counts. Any questions send me a message!

 

[Inflamed]

I'm so sorry to hear this news... Hope the scan will give you a good notion on how to proceed!

 

[gojennings]

Aww... I'm sorry. Hugs.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

So sorry. Praying with meds, she will have a long, and happy life.

 

[assibassi]

so sorry for you and Luna! huggs to you both. Hope you can control things with Meds for her. But get her scanned first and they will help you from there .

 

[lyndxe]

i'm so sorry to hear that... my boy passed away from complications with HCM. we never had any idea he had it until he died at the age of 6. since then, i've done quite a bit of research, and like others have said on here, early detection and prevention of worsening symptoms is key, so even if your baby does test positive, it's not the worst case scenario! i also read that HCM is more likely to affect males rather than females, so maybe Luna's heart problem is something different? in any case, sending positive vibes and good luck your way!!

 

[lunasmum]

Thanks all for your messages, unfortunately her scan did not happen, I had her all ready to go in my car but my engine would not start, turns out just by luck i had picked up bad fuel resulting in $700 worth of work that I had to pay off over 2 weeks . Im working extra hours at work to get the money up for her scan, its annoying me im having to wait to have it done for her because I know how important it is especially if she can be put on meds. Havnt had much luck money wise this year its quite frustrating.

Reading through your posts, Luna appears to be happy and healthy she still plays alot (altho I limit her sessions) and acts as if all is fine, but Ive noticed she does sleep on her side, her breathing is quite fast, my vet said her resps should be around 14 but Luna in a deep sleep averages a minimum of 26 and a max of 42 per minute. She is eatting and drinking fine, its mainly when shes asleep or relaxed when its noticable something is wrong. Hopefully I will be able to get her scan done soon. Its killing me not knowing whats going on inside her little body.

But thank you all for your well wishes ill keep you updated on whats going on

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Good grief. What a pain. Hoping Luna continues to thrive.

 

[AbbieS]

I'm so sorry. Both of my Sphynx girls have mild HCM and are asymptomatic at this point. They don't need medication yet, but we're keeping an eye on them and having them rescanned in spring. Best of luck to you and your girl.

 

[Embracing-Joyx4]

So sorry, prayers for luna and to comfort you.