My cat had his shots last week. The doc said that he has a murmur and we need to do xrays to find if this is a big problem. I want to have my 6mth cat fixed before he starts spraying. The doc said that he could dye on the operating table. This cat is in heat, attacking my kids all day and I am afraid he is going to get more aggressive as he gets older if something is not done soon. I really need to have him fixed asap or I will have to drop him off at the pound. Any suggestions and has anyone had this problem before?
2007-01-20 12:58:01 · 10 answers · asked by Girls M 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
My cat just came back from the vet, it does not look good. The doc recommends an ultra sound. Can a male cat be taught not to spray?
2007-01-23 11:35:40 · update #1
Have the radiographs (x-rays) done. They can give the doctor an idea as to whether the heart looks normal or not. Ideally, you would have an ultrasound done to really get a good look at the heart. A murmur can be caused by many things, including PDA (commonly known as a 'hole in the heart') or problems with the valves in the heart.
If finances are tight, and there is a problem with the cat's heart, you may be looking at expensive surgery or a lifetime of various medications. At least get the x-rays taken or get a second opinion so you know if there is really a problem or not, and if so, how serious it is. Then, you will have to decide if kitty is worth it. I don't mean to sound callous or cruel, it's just that it sounds like you're having trouble with the cat already. Unless, it is just kitten playfulness. You have to teach kittens not to attack hands and feet and your cat can still be taught appropriate ways to play.
You can decide to have him neutered regardless and leave it to chance. I only mention that because, unless you can find someone willing to take him and pay for his medical condition, you won't likely find another home for him and he'll end up being euthanized anyway, especially at a shelter.
It is your choice as to what to do. I do hope you at least attempt to find out more about the condition before you decide. Good luck and I hope it all turns out well.
2007-01-20 13:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first a male cat doesn't go into heat or you have more problems.... But yes prior to surgery xrays should be done and the cat should be on extra monitoring equipment while under surgery (EKG, etc) The risk under surgery will depend on the "grade" of the murmur. They are graded I (one) to VI (six) out of VI (six). The sooner you get the grade of the murmur determined the sooner you can go ahead with the surgery. If you veterinarian doesn't feel comfortable performing the surgery then see if you can find someone who does or if a veterinary cardiologist might assist during your vet doing the surgery. Explore the options so that you are able to get your cat neutered and do it the safest way possible :) Good luck
2007-01-20 22:24:01 · answer #2 · answered by bassetmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask yur vet about the possibility of giving Isoflurane gas as the sole anesthetic and if it is possible not to give ketamine as the induction agent. Isoflurane is supposed to be the safest anethetic available now although it costs a bit more than the usual halothane gas anethesia. The vet is correct that a cat with a heart murmur could die under anesthesia and is right to warn you.
Male cats do not go "in heat." If your kitty is showing too much "verve" then why not try one of those cat-calmng products you can buy from PetCo - flower essences or "Feliway." Many pet guardian have seen their stressed out pets become clamer with these harmless "feel good" cat products.
2007-01-20 21:31:50 · answer #3 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never had a cat w/ a heart problem go for surgery, but I know of many pets with similiar or other health problems and instead of using gas which can be more dangerous for them, there are other means to anesthize them which should be safer and quicker (I believe ketamine is one example, but check with your vet or others in the area). If it's a male cat, neutering is much easier and quicker so it shouldn't be a problem and much simpler than dealing w/ a spraying cat. If it's a female, different forms of anethesia can be used to ensure a little more safety. There's always that chance they won't wake up w/ surgery, but I would say it's highly unlikely.
2007-01-20 21:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by vala_nyx 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here's my opinion, get him fixed. The lives of unneutered males are short, full of conflict and often infections and pain. Tomcats make really lousy pets. Ask your vet the percentage chance of him surviving the operation. I bet it's better than the chance of him getting adopted from the pound. And anyone who adopts him will have to get him fixed anyway, it'll be in their adoption contract. If the pound knows about the murmur, they might not consider him adoptable and put him down anyway.
And, your vet could be wrong, in fact, you could seek a second opinion for less than $100. I've gotten second and third opinions (on very serious vet issues) and have found that some vets have given me very bad advice. In fact, my current vet, who I've been with for almost 15 years, was the third opinion I sought on a very serious cancer for one of my dogs. The first vet wanted to remove most of the muscle in her stifle (she was a very big dog and this would have crippled her for life). The second vets opinion ...I don't actually remember. The third vet did all this extra work, called UC Davis because she found conflicting information on this type of cancer, got the lowdown on what was beleived to be the best treatment (removal of the main body of the tumor and cobalt radiation). That's what we did and that dog lived for years longer, very actively and happily enjoying all four of her legs.
Only you can make this decision, and having a spraying, vicious tomcat as part of a family with small kids doesn't sound like a pleasant option to me.
2007-01-20 21:11:20 · answer #5 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have one question-did you have him declawed?
I ask that because the declawing procedure will seriously change the cats behavior, to the point of attacking humans and other animals.
yes, male cats spray (Trust me, I know) but they don't go into heat. He may be surging testosterone, but I think his heart thing is MUCH more important than a neuter operation.
Keep your kids away from him for now. They should be taught to not grab, pinch, poke, pull, or otherwise torture a cat. tell them to leave him alone, if its a baby, keep an eye on him or her, and make sure he doesn't go up to the cat and start pulling or pinching it
2007-01-20 21:13:19 · answer #6 · answered by lilswanwillow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just FYI male cats don't go into heat. Talk to the vet about it. Many intact male cats don't spray because they have been trained not to. It sounds like you really need to have more testing done to find out what is going on with his heart.
2007-01-20 21:02:15 · answer #7 · answered by GPcrazy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is probly going through alot of hormones, I'd wait at most 1 month then i would get him fixed, after that they are really sweet! my big cat was about to go to the pound, but we took him \ he was wild, after his fixing, he became a big baby!
2007-01-20 22:04:11 · answer #8 · answered by Jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, Spaying is for females, Neutering is for male.
Secondly, Males does go into heat. Only Females.
If you can afford the operation, try it. If he dies, then he dies - you tried.
If you cannot afford it, take him to the shelter. Whats more important? A cat, or your children.
2007-01-20 21:02:34 · answer #9 · answered by Jessica 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
take a chance it takes 15 Min's to neuter a male, and they don't have to use telezol to make him go to sleep, they can just mask him
2007-01-20 21:03:31 · answer #10 · answered by kat_luvr2003 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋