Kitty medical question

[closetfan]

kahlua said:

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!

Awww, thanks! Hugs back at ya!

[RioDuranie]

awww my sister and her hubby have spent thousands on their furbabies. Yes many times they could have easily put the pet down but like stated here they love heir furbabies. They are their children.

Their horse alone for one stomache problem cost them over $5,000.

If you get a pet you have to take care of it just like you would a child. They are not disposable pets because they are ill.

I applaud you all for being good pet owners.

[tommie]

rioduranie said:

If you get a pet you have to take care of it just like you would a child. They are not disposable pets because they are ill.

I totally agree on that. Unfortunately many don't realize that having a pet also means taking care of your furry friend when he's ill.
My boyfriend always jokes about the vets bills that he could buy a new cat for that amount of money.

[RioDuranie]

yeah but gettting a new cat isnt the same as the one you already loved

[StarrySky]

I wish everyone the best who have cats with heart murmurs and I hope they stay healthy. My beloved cat Smokey whom I believe was a grey Maine * cat had a heart murmer. The vet did not know how long he had to live as it was unpredictable. He was on a daily intake of inderal and a fourth of a baby asprin. He was also, an indoor-outdoor kitty. (Not my choice.) I wanted him to stay inside after he was diagnosed. But, I was overruled. One early winter morning in late February of 1994 he went out and never came back. I put up flyers with a reward and got no response. It still haunts me to this day. Now, the cats my parents have don't go out. One of them tries to. But, she like the others including my cat have been declawed. And yes my Dad said at dinner the other night he regrets doing that after he saw how long it too for them all to heal. And yes I sent my Mom an email beforehand on how cruel it was to declaw a cat. But, its too late now. By the way I found a lump on my cats neck and I'm real worried about it and am anxious to know the diagnosis after his appointment on Tuesday. Please Pray for Squeak. Thanks.

PS: Here's a link about feline heart problems and treatments:

www.bathbrunswickvet.com/library/heartdisease4.html?articleID=6

[lavieenrose]

I pray for Squeak... my Stormy had a lump on her neck and shoulder blade, and it was cancer that she got from an improperly administered vaccination. She lived, but for barely more than a year. However, I noticed it fairly late, which I regret. It was quite large when I had the biopsy done. The important thing about the lump, to know if it's cancer or not, is how tough it is - I don't know exactly what it means, but I remember them telling me that at the vet's.

We all make mistakes with our cats, I think. The important thing is to learn from these mistakes with your next cat (not to say that it's going to be soon), who will be lucky to have an owner such as you who is so concerned with your cat's health. He or she will be very happy.

Keeping you in mind, too, and wishing you strength! ((hugs))

[StarrySky]

lavieenrose, I sent you a pm. ;D

[wtf]

When humans are diagnosed with heart problems, they often have them take prophylactic antibiotics when they visit the dentist. I'm wondering why they couldn't do the same for your kitty when she needs her teeth cleaned?

I think it's worth asking about, because they may not be giving you all the options. Vets do make lots of $$ on extra tests/xrays/ultrasounds, etc.

[artful dodger]

A friend of mine just told me about her kitty with heart problems. He has needed his teeth cleaned for a while now but the tests showed that his heart would not be able to withstand the anesthetic. Plus she explained that there is a difference between a cardiac ultrasound and an echo cardio gram. An ultrasound is more readily available and is cheaper. The next step after an ultrasound is an echo. This is way more expensive and also few vets can do this procedure. (the only place she knew of was Michigan State and her heart specialist is in Columbus, OH). Now, I am not sure which procedure my Boo is getting, since my vet called it an echo but on the written estimate it says ultrasound.

[wtf]

hmm...

I guess I would weigh my options. If you feel better doing the tests that is the way you should go.

Personally, I'd look at it more pragmatically, i.e. 1) I either go ahead and get the teeth cleaned with the anesthesia without the extra labs etc and there is a chance for a problem, or 2) I leave the teeth alone and there is a chance for gum infection leading to sepsis. Either way there are problems. Even when a vet/doc gives the go-ahead for anesthesia, there is still always a chance that there is an anesthesia-induced problem.