Otis' Scan Results

[kauna]

We had our 3rd echo last night and I was an anxious mess waiting for the visit. On the outside everything is fine and you would never know he has HCM as many of us know. He was telling everyone his thoughts on the matter while getting his echo.

His current medicine regimen is:
Benazepril 1.5mg capsule in the am
Clopidrogrel 15mg capsule in the am
Rapamycin 0.5mg capsule M, W, Fri.
(I get them compounded and the benazepril and Clopidrogrel is in one capsule which is nice)

He has been taking this for the last 6mos. and from what the cardiologist said last evening is that his numbers have gone down slightly. (big sigh of relief from me)

His first visit he was slightly in the category of HCM no meds his measurements were just borderline over the number where they diagnose HCM at 1.6, second visit showed progression and we started meds.

See graphs below. I clearly am not a heart specialist to understand these numbers but we are continuing the meds and not making any changes.

1st visit: 3/17/25

Diastole Systole
IVS(mm) 7.30 7.45 End diastolic volume(ml) 6
LVFW(mm) 7.88 9.78 End systolic volume (ml) 1
LVCH(mm) 14.89 7.88 Ejection fraction (%) 82.0
FS(%) 47.0 LA/Ao: 16.0/9.0= 1.67
Stroke Volume (ml) 5


2nd visit: 9/15/25

Diastole Systole
IVS(mm) 5.35 7.10 End diastolic volume(ml) 7
LVFW(mm) 6.62 8.37 End systolic volume (ml) 1
LVCH(mm) 16.06 8.08 Ejection fraction (%) 84.0
FS(%) 50.0 LA/Ao: 17.0/10.0= 1.64
Stroke Volume (ml) 6


3rd visit: 3/16/26

Diastole Systole
IVS(mm) 6.08 7.78 End diastolic volume(ml) 8
LVFW(mm) 6.40 8.10 End systolic volume (ml) 2
LVCH(mm) 16.28 8.99 Ejection fraction (%) 79.0
FS(%) 45.0 LA/Ao: 16.6/9.54= 1.74
Stroke Volume (ml) 6


Hopefully this helps others.

 

[tuffysmommy]

Numbers have gone down is a win. My heart goes out to you. So scary waiting and then not completely understanding all the variables. Hoping for continued good news.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I am happy to hear the numbers went down slightly. The wait to get the results is so stressful every time. Thanks for sharing the news and the info.

 

[Toa and Ross]

Ugh waiting is so difficult. Sending hugs. Thanks for sharing this information.

 

[kauna]

I’m very lucky with his cardiologist I get to be in the room while he gets his echo and get information during the visit. It’s the lead up to the actual visit that I get worked up with.
It was the same when I went to Aggie’s appointments the lead up was always dreadful. Then once I had the results and a plan I could process and go forward.

As always thank you to my lair family for always being supportive and helpful with everything. I truly appreciate you guys more than you know.

 

[Yoda mom]

@kauna , so happy numbers down and sending continued positive vibes and head smooches to adorable warrior Team Otis! remember , he has no idea what reports say and his world is filled with all your love and care. hugs n head smooches to all paws.

 

[nudebea]

Very happy to hear that his numbers are down, too many of us know the roller coaster of emotion HCM can bring.Sending positive vibes over for you and sweet Otis

 

[tuffysmommy]

Down is the right direction for these numbers. Glad for you and Otis.

 

[kauna]

Well we had Otis' 6m recheck appointment tonight and while he is still stable his heart is thickening some. We are starting 2 additional medications, Spironolactone 6.25mg and Pimobendan 2mg twice daily. He now has some progressive left atrial enlargement, but the left ventricle isn't as thick as his previous exam. I will take that as a win. We are continuing the Rapamycin every M, W and F, along with Benazepril 1.5mg and Clopidrogrel 15 mg once a day.

Last Visit reading (copied so we didn't need to scroll back to the previous update)
Diastole Systole
IVS(mm) 6.08 7.78 End diastolic volume(ml) 8
LVFW(mm) 6.40 8.10 End systolic volume (ml) 2
LVCH(mm) 16.28 8.99 Ejection fraction (%) 79.0
FS(%) 47.0
LA/Ao: 16.6/9.54= 1.74
Stroke Volume (ml) 6


This exam reading was as follows:

Diastole Systole
IVS(mm) 6.00 8.91 End diastolic volume(ml) 6
LVFW(mm) 5.67 8.21 End systolic volume (ml) 1
LVCH(mm) 15.39 8.10 Ejection fraction (%) 82.0
FS(%) 47.0
LA/Ao: 20.83/9.38= 2.22
Stroke Volume (ml) 5

As always these visits give me some anxiety but once I have the results we just take it one step at a time. He is stable and acting completely normal, demanding attention and snuggles in the evening; in the morning while I am enjoying my cup of coffee he must be on my lap. He is still a little chunky at 11lbs but I stopped fighting that part (he was the same weight at last cardio visit so not gaining lol!)

We will recheck in 6mo unless something happens sooner.

 

[Yoda mom]

@kauna , hugs n head smooches team Otis. all paws are family. remember he has no idea what reports say. the spironolactone was helpful with my baby. I can just see him on your lap enjoying coffee time together. side note , are you a member of the fb heart group? lots of great info and support, I can sare te the link if you like. Hugs n head smooches.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I totally agree take it as a win. The anxiety is real. Every scan just takes a toll on your head and heart. TY for updating us.

 

[tuffysmommy]

Glad for the update and thank God even though it’s mixed results. Enjoy him bigtime. Try to relax until the next one they’re never easy to go through.

 

[kauna]

My only problem is he has been difficult lately with the medication. I was lucky enough before that he ate his canned food with the capsule contents mixed in... He hasn't been interested in his wet food with the meds for the last few weeks. Guess I am going to try pill pockets to start. He is a bugger when trying to pill him or restrain him in any way and squirms and makes a fuss. Wish me luck.

I have also been looking at mixing in another food option that is low sodium to our repertoire. I have been looking at the weruva wx lo phos or the honest kitchen options but still not 100% sure and don't want to upset his sensitive tummy either.

The struggle... I'm sure we can all relate

Thank you all for the support.

@Yoda mom I believe I am a member of that group on FB from when Aggie went through all this. I think my only saving grace is Otis is 9, so his was diagnosed later in life and per the cardiologist later is better as he would be more stable and his advancement is less likely especially after the age of 10?

 

[Yoda mom]

@kauna , hugs n positive vibe head smooches continue for sweet Otis. mine were later in life too.
as for food, I use tanyas comprehensive chart, it gives sodium etc in dry matter basis. it is an older chart so I always call manufacturer and ask for DRY MATTER % sodium, protein, phosphorus etc. some list on their website. you can ask cardiologist for food recommendations that are non rx, and show the weruva press your lunch and weruva wx supplemental for his/her opinion, I showed to my vet.

I bought a 3 oz can at petsupermarket to try with my crew. 4 out of 5 liked it so much , I ordered 5 oz and sometimes deal on 10 oz cans on Chewy and they have great customer service if doesnt work for your babies.

Food: I have been feeding Weruva wx (which is supplemental only**** ) a couple of times a week.


Main food Weruva press your lunch that is lower sodium than even many RX brands.
AI Overview



The dry matter sodium content for Weruva Classic Press Your Lunch! Chicken Paté is approximately 0.31% (with an as-fed sodium level of around 0.12%). [1, 2]

Nutritional Breakdown

• • As-Fed Sodium: ~0.12%
  • Dry Matter Sodium: ~0.31%
  • Moisture Content: High moisture formula designed for hydration. [1, 2, 3]

Understanding Dry Matter Basis

• • Dry Matter Basis: Removes all moisture/water from the food to let you compare mineral and nutrient levels evenly between wet and dry foods. [1]
  • As-Fed Basis: Reflects the nutrient level in the can while it still contains its high water content. [1]

As long as no chicken allergies. Yodaman, Tobylove, and Claire Bare loved it mixed with a little water mushed mixed. I wish you lived closer as I have soo many extra cans stocked up during hurricane season here.

Batman of course is my dry food addict and turns his nose up to wet food, freeze dried , raw etc and runs in disgust twitching his tail. At 16 now, Batman isnt going to change. He does drink water and I put water dish about 5 feet away from food in a pyrex 6 inch bowl. He likes drinking from a stainless steel crate pail attached to a crate pale with a snap bolt high enough so he does not have to bend down to drink. (crate is set up for hurricane season her not used hopefully)

Macie was impossible to pill. I had to put her on a towel on top of the dryer, wear a little head lamp, wrap her in a towel and pill fast then open mouth to see if she swallowed the pills wearing my head lamp.

** My vet got holiday gifted a cat grooming wrap that is self adherent, from fellow staff , now they use it in the office

. it is on amazon I believe around 29"inches, google cat wraps for grooming. they say it is a game changer from using a towel as it is self adherent. there are amazon videos on too, there are different prices, brands and sizes




Tobylove was okay pilling. I actually put him on my bed, straddled him and gently tilted head and pilled to back side of cheek and then gently rubbed his throat and immediately one piece of temptations his fav. I figured wth, he was 11.

I did not have any luck with pill pockets with my crew.

My nakids were all seniors and did not come with a time stamp. remarkably Tobylove was late stage HCM, CHF, gallop heart rhythm, cancer lump on his face and exceeded my expectations/time on our journey. You would never know what reports said.
your cardiologist has a point. Otis only knows your love. all paws are family.