#1
|
|||
|
|||
heart failure in cat
Hoping I can get some advice on cat heart failure. This diagnosis came so quickly this morning we took our 11 year old cat in thinking she had a cat cold and turns out to be heart failure. So far the vet has taken x-rays finding her lungs filled with fluid. They then proceeded to drain the fluid (which has helped tons with her breathing), and take another x-ray to find her chest luckily with no more fluid but, on the down side an enlarged heart. He put her on 3 drugs, unfortunately I don't know the names but I do know that one is a diuretic which will hopefully help to prevent the fluid this is taken once daily, a liquid which is to help take stress of off the heart taken once daily as well, and aspirin take once every 3 days to prevent blood clots. Does anyone know that if this medication works what could be the average time she would have left? Also, has anyone experienced this before and if so what was done in your case and what came the outcome?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
__________________
Proud Owner of: Charlie- 6 year old Border collie cross Alvin- 2 month old Toy Pom Roxy- 4 year old Sheltie/Pom Angel- 12 year old Persian (deseased Dec 6, 2008) An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." ~ Martin Buber |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
My 5-year-old Gollum suddenly developed acute cardiomyopathy and ended up at the vet's right away. He was given lasix (diuretic), diltiazem (cardiac stimulant), baby aspirin to eliminate clots and potassium gluconate (liquid at first, then capsules later) which assists with regulating heart rhythm. His kidneys had been compromised by a clot in the artery leading to them, so he had to be flushed with subcutaneous saline injections as a form of dialysis. Potassium is eliminated during sub-q fluid flushing. Later on, his kidneys rebounded but then his liver collapsed! It took several months of treatment, but I'm happy to say he is now almost back to his old self. He will be on the diltiazem for life, however, along with potassium supplementation which helps with heart rhythm.
His heart rate goes up to 200 when he visits the vet, then subsides to 180 after a few minutes. I suspect it fluctuates under stress. It will never fall to within normal range but with the diltiazem cream rubbed into his ears, he's doing OK. I changed his food to grain-free products as well. Much better for him (and for my other two cats as well)! Your girl probably has restrictive cardiomyopathy, which frequently affects older females and could be genetic. Some breeds including the Persian seem more prone to it. http://petdoc.com/story/cardiomyopathy-cats Younger cats, especially males, often experience hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They're rather different in terms of what's going on with the heart. Complications such as Gollum endured don't always happen ... luckily. Sugarcatmom and Growler were especially helpful and encouraging to me when Gollum was going through this. I imagine one or both of them will give you some excellent information once they've seen your post. There is also a Yahoo heart forum which might be worth visiting. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feline-heart/ Best of luck. Brenda Last edited by faranya; December 6th, 2008 at 11:50 AM. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
thank-you so much for that amazing story it gives me hope. the vet keeps telling us that he isnt holding any hope at all, so thank you.
__________________
Proud Owner of: Charlie- 6 year old Border collie cross Alvin- 2 month old Toy Pom Roxy- 4 year old Sheltie/Pom Angel- 12 year old Persian (deseased Dec 6, 2008) An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." ~ Martin Buber |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
You're most welcome. Of course, every case will be different. But check out those links in my other post and see what you think.
My vet still can't believe Gollum is still here. And he might not have as long a life as a cat without his particular problem. But as long as the quality of life remains good, then I'll be happy with that. Also do a search on pets.ca for posts with "heart failure" or "cardiomyopathy", as there have been several over the past few months since I signed up here. Brenda |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Here is some more information on Heart Disease with a number of links in there: http://felineoutreach.org/EducationD...t=HeartDisease
__________________
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do The Spirit Lives As Long As Someone Who Lives Remembers You - Navaho Saying |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
the more i learn about (some) people, the more i luv my cats |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Rusty was also really supportive to me ... sorry for the omission. And Badger. There were others also, but I have a mind like a sieve.
Groups like the one we have here are wonderful! Last edited by faranya; December 7th, 2008 at 09:51 PM. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I thank you for all the advice on different groups but unfortunaltely angel passed away on sunday morning due to a massive heart attack. i do thank you all again though for the websites and such.
__________________
Proud Owner of: Charlie- 6 year old Border collie cross Alvin- 2 month old Toy Pom Roxy- 4 year old Sheltie/Pom Angel- 12 year old Persian (deseased Dec 6, 2008) An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." ~ Martin Buber |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
I'm so sorry for your loss, ec140466 Angel was obviously very well loved. You're in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
Angel
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
I am so sorry for your loss. Angel is now over the bridge with all of the wonderful pets we have had to say good bye to. little one.
__________________
It Is What It Is |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
I am very sorry to hear about Angel. :sad: My sincere condolences to you and your family.
|
#12
|
||||
|
||||
So sorry to hear about Angel.
Angel
__________________
Cat maid to: Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs) Jasper RIP (2001-2018) Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014) Puddles RIP (1996-2014) Snowball RIP (1991-2005) In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey |
#13
|
||||
|
||||
__________________
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do The Spirit Lives As Long As Someone Who Lives Remembers You - Navaho Saying |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Awwww, I'm so sorry. I've been away for a few days and just read your post. Poor little dear. She was obviously well-loved. Sometimes, things don't turn out the way we'd hope, but love and memories make the sadness bearable.
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|