Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy & Congestive Heart Failure

This forum is for cat lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your cat.

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Bumpurr

RESPECT The- Star!

Purred: Thu Feb 23, '12 4:05am PST


	Bump was diagnosed at 10 months old, with HCM. 2 cardiologists said he would not live past 1 yr old, thats it, thats all there is. I said OH HECK NO, find me another cardiologist. I did extensive research on this, talked to breeders, other vets, Winn Foundation, anyone that would help me. The vet detects a heart murmur, by listening to the heart. Then they do an x-ray, to see if the heart is enlarged, and if there is fluid on the heart and lungs. Then they go to get an ultrasound done, which is the only true way, to determine the diagnosis and treatment. Lasix is if there is fluid, it removes the fluid, it makes them pee alot. Baby aspirin thins the blood, the normal dose is 1 pill, every 3 days, depending on the condition. Did they detect fluid on the heart or lungs? Bump was put on Atenolol. They have to do an x-ray, to see if there is fluid, and figure out, if the coughing is HCM related, or if it is asma, which, that, I don't know how they determine. You also need to put him on a grain free, by product free, gluten free food, that is LOW IN SALT. I feed Blue Wilderness, and his new cardiologist at UC Davis approved it. Bump is now 5 yrs old, and runs thru the house at warp speed, like a crazy boy, with the kittens, and they let him go back on the show circuit. You need to find out if he has fluid first, and ask, why he is being given lasix. The coughing is not, a good sign, but you have to find out, first, if he does have asma, and thats why. The heavy breathing, is because the heart is not properly moving the blood around. They fix that, by thinning the blood, the baby aspirin, or other drugs, Bump was on Atenolol. Bump was a grade 3. At his last wellness exam, a few months ago, he was downgraded to a grade 2. Its just first finding out, what his issues are, and finding the right meds. After that, its just management, its not a death sentence. You need to get his cardiologist involved. Oh, and I also have HCM, so I know what I am talking about, I tell everyone, I caught it from my son, mol. almost forgot, tell your vet, to check his blood pressure, and they have meds to adjust that too, if needed. (((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))

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Gator Pawz

SumooooooKitty!!- !!

Purred: Thu Feb 23, '12 10:36pm PST


	Oh Bumpur, I was going to suggest everything you did about lasix being used for fluid and not so much HCM. Our Gator had HCM and was followed by a cardiologist who did not once suggest lasix. I sometimes think that Vets who do not specialize in heart problems will fall back on lasix as an answer even though there are other wonderful medications out there. To the poster, can you get another opinion from a different Vet outside of your regular Vet and ER? I do hope your kitty can find some help and get some much needed relief. We recently lost our Gator only a week ago, his heart had stabilized but we discovered he had a brain tumor, so very sad. We miss him terribly, he was such a joy for almost 14 years. Best wishes for healing.

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Phillipe

Will Love You- for Food

Purred: Fri Feb 24, '12 7:52am PST


	Hi Everybody, Thank you all so much for your purrs and warm wishes. To answer your questions, Yes, i did have some fluid on my lungs and my heart doctor thinks that that is what aggravated my asthma which is why I was coughing so much. As of Wednesday, when I began taking my Bronchial Dialator, I have been doing SO MUCH BETTER! Now granted my parents went back to work full time yesterday, but they only heard me cough once throughout the day. And not once thru the night! My breathing is probably the best its been since last Sunday, and I was back to my old tricks during the night.. nipping at my mamas arms and knocking stuff off her dresser for food and attention while she slept! We admit, I'm not the best behaved kittie at night, but all of these things signify to my mom that my meds are working and I'm feeling better!! I just hope I continue to progress like this, as I miss running around. I think the lasix makes me tired - but nothing kills my appetite! When I hear my mom opening the pill bottles, I run to her feet for my "treats". Thanks again everybody, please keep sending purrs and hugs

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Tigger

Knead softly &- carry a big purr

Purred: Fri Feb 24, '12 10:21am PST


	See - just keep thinking positive, and don't panic. I know this is all so scary. Give the meds a chance, and it should get better. Really it is important to either see a cardiologist, or have one available to consult. I see you have done this. Most important, let the kitties be kitties. I was so worried when Tig would start playing that he would hurt himself - make it worse. But then I thought I want him happy, so I let him play. He stops when he needs to, and is a happy cat. Please feel free to ask away, we are in this together - no one is alone here at Catster!