Kitty medical question

[artful dodger]

I took my beloved cat to the vet today and she needs to have a cardiac ultrasound or echo done. Has anyone had their cat go through this? How worried do I need to be? She has a heart murmur and it's doing what they called a "gallop rhythm" -- which they also say is the worst kind of murmur. I also have to have her teeth cleaned and a tooth extracted. In the the ten years she has been with me, she has hardly ever had any medical problems so this is all rather worrisome for me. (translation: I am freaked out)

Anyone else here have a kitty with heart problems?

[sRhodes]

I haven't had a cat with heart problems, so I can't tell you not to freak out. I hate it when the "kids" are sick. I've had my oldest kitty in for 2 bladder ultrasounds in the last few weeks. Its no fun.

Hang in there, and I'll hope for the best for you.

[SekretReligion]

My mom's Corgi had a heart murmur, not sure what type and he lived for several years after it was discovered. And it wasn't why he died eventually. I think the only thing they had to worry about was if he had to be put under for surgery for anything else.
So maybe with a little extra care and love your kitty will be ok.

[lavieenrose]

The way you described it, it makes me wonder if she might otherwise be in good health, so that provides some hope. If you haven't already considered doing so, you might want to do a little research on it.... it could turn out that it is not as bad as you think, and that she may still have a long life ahead of her.

You know where to find me if you need me. ((virtual hugs))

[RioDuranie]

hope everything is okay

[closetfan]

My kitty is 13, and she has had a heart murmur for a few years. She needs to get her teeth cleaned, but before the vet will put her under anesthesia, she wants to do some tests on her (an ultrasound and something else I can't remember). But the tests are very expensive (about $600-700), and there is no treatment for the murmur. The cat has been fine, but I really would like to get her teeth cleaned. I'm going to get a new vet and see what he/she recommends.

I hope your kitty will be ok!

[artful dodger]

My vet last year wanted my cat to have the same thing my new vet wants...but there are so many differences:

Old vet -- machine and specialist were off-site so guesstimate price for just the ultrasound was over $500, old vet told me my cat would die any day

New vet -- much more optimistic, both machine and specialist are on site (and they do ultrasounds 3-4x a week), actual written estimate for both teeth cleaning, ultrasound and everything else they want to do is just under $600, PLUS new vet will let me hold my baby while the procedure is being done (I know old vet would not have allowed that). Still a lot of money, but if I can prevent her from having problems and live longer it will be worth it.

So, I say get a second opinion on both the procedure and the price. I was surprised at how much different my experiences were from last year to this year. And I found out today (from two different sources) that the health of your teeth (whether human or feline) is directly related to heart disease. My vet is offering a 50% off special for Jan/Feb for teeth cleaning. It pays to look around for prices! No, there is no cure for murmurs but it seems heart disease is treatable and early detection is apparently best. My feeling is that the ultrasound will be worth it b/c Boo can't tell me when a medication is not working. The doc can't do anything but guess until they get a picture of her inside. I'd rather try to give her the best meds the first time out, if possible.

Thanks everyone for your support!! It helps a great deal.

[closetfan]

Thanks for your advice. My vet told me that she would not actually treat the cat for the murmur (and she didn't mention anything about treating other heart disease, if found) but she wanted to know the risk level before sedating the kitty for the cleaning. I am looking in the phone book right now to find some local vets to call.

You are so right about the importance of dental care, and that's why I really want to get her teeth cleaned. There are some people in my family who think it's kinda crazy to spend a lot of money on medical bills for a pet. But I believe if you take on the responsilibity to care for a pet, then you should take care of their health needs to the best of your ability (within your means).

Good luck with your kitty, and let me know how things go.

[artful dodger]

Yes, my family think I am crazy, too, but she's my kid. I would feel guilty if she died tomorrow just b/c I would not spend a couple hundred dollars for preventative care. Go with what your gut tells you and you will never be wrong.

Good luck to you, too and keep me posted as well on your kitty. PM me whenever you want, if you want, too. I feel better after having talked to some people and I'll be happy to lend an ear to another.

[Kahlua]

closetfan said:

Thanks for your advice. My vet told me that she would not actually treat the cat for the murmur (and she didn't mention anything about treating other heart disease, if found) but she wanted to know the risk level before sedating the kitty for the cleaning. I am looking in the phone book right now to find some local vets to call.

You are so right about the importance of dental care, and that's why I really want to get her teeth cleaned. There are some people in my family who think it's kinda crazy to spend a lot of money on medical bills for a pet. But I believe if you take on the responsilibity to care for a pet, then you should take care of their health needs to the best of your ability (within your means).

Good luck with your kitty, and let me know how things go.

I know sometimes, people, even family might think its crazy to do these things for our "kids", but they are a part of "our" family & have alsways given Unconditional LOVE to us all the time. I know how scarry it much feel, but do what you can, in terms regarding medical for your baby. Like you mentioned, it doesnt hurt to call other vets.
Please let us know, My Trudy & I will keep you & your baby in our thoughts & hope that all goes well.
HUGS!