My 6 year old cat had a funny turn last week, we took him to the vets straight away where he had various tests, it turns out that he has a heart murmur, but it has caused thickening of his heart muscle and will be on tablets for life.
Has anyone else had experience of this?
If so how old did your cat live til with this problem?
The vet said that she cant really give me an answer of his life expectancy.
He is now almost back to himself, but im not letting him out just yet, he is enjoying being spoilt with poached fish etc!!
I would just like a personal point of view as well as the vets proffesional one.
Thanks.
2006-11-05 22:36:53 · 3 answers · asked by Cherry 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Would just like to add, that he has his poached fish as a treat and not his main diet!!
2006-11-05 22:44:01 · update #1
Hi Cherry...Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is commonly seen more in purebred cats and treatment options are vast.
Consider joining a free online support group such as Yahoo Group for Feline HCM owners (it's for breeders but they do make exceptions for cats who have been diagnosed with HCM):
Description
This group of 344 members currently is for cat breeders who wish to discuss feline HCM, its inheritance, the reliability of tests, testing protocol, building negative pedigrees, and all other aspects of dealing with this (possibly) genetic disease in cats. The list subject will be strictly enforced, as well as a "no flames" policy. List members will also be restricted from forwarding messages from other lists, where the "reply to" address is different than that of the member posting the message.
Many members exchange helpful information as well provide emotional support.
Another support group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/tributetobuddy/ 34 members
Welcome to the Tribute to Buddy group. This group is dedicated to the life of Buddy and to all cats who suffer from HCM or Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in cats. Please take a few minutes to check out the photos and perhaps even share your memories of our little Buddy. This page will be a work-in-progress, as we document the life story of Buddy...a big fluffy furry silky-coated Maine Coon cat. Also you will find many links here from all of the great websites we found that helped us learn and cope through this difficult time in our lives. Thanks for visiting the Tribute to Buddy group and please come back soon. If your pet is ill, please have it examined by a veterinarian. Rainbow Bridge image used with permission. Visit http://www.rainbowbridge.com Artwork by Jeanne Cashman.
Sources to consider reading to learn more about HCM:
http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/p/HCM.htm
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hyp-cardio.html
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/cardiomyopathy.html
2006-11-05 22:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey, This probably doesnt really help, but my cat was born with a heart murmer, but was told he would grow out of it which he has..... Im not sure if older cats can out grow this condition but it is not a major thing.... The only thing that will really bother him is very very load noises or being extreamly scared. However dont get worried if your cat runs around a lot or over exerts himself as this will only make it stronger so make sure you dont do what we did for a while and treat him like he is fragile.... If he seems back to his old self im sure he will be fine.... Just look after him.... But dont spoil him to much or he will turn into a piggy like my 7 month old rascal!!!! Hes going to be soooooooo fat!
2006-11-05 22:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no one can really say how this will affect your kitty.
it just depends on her general fitness - thing is - if they are thicker they will pump stronger - but they will have a bigger chance of clogging - so it kinda balances out - i suppose - just enjoy your puddy tat and stop worrying!
2006-11-05 22:40:13 · answer #3 · answered by Helen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋