Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Flame on April 10, 2008, 21:19:15 PM

Title: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 10, 2008, 21:19:15 PM
Hi folks i hope you are all well?

Can anyone tell me anything about heart murmers and fluid on a cats lungs?

The full story is.

On monday we let the kitties out as normal and they came back just before dark as normal only Freya was breathing really fast and weezing, she has come in looking a bit flustered occasionally so we just assumed that she was a bit flustered and stunned by something. Anyway a few hours later she was still seeming to struggle to breathe so about 11 o clock we took her to the emergency vet and they said she has fluid on her lungs and sounds like she has a heart murmer so they gave her an injection and sent her home with the instructions not to let her out and to make another appointment the following day, we did and they said they had to send her for some scans so tomorrow she is at the vets first thing in the morning for the day. She also has these pills which must be the smallest pills in the world and we have to give her a quarter of one every 8 hours.

Anyway she has always coughed and tonight she had a bit of coughing fit and she is now breathing funny again.

Anyone had this kind of experiance? and what was the outcome?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Maddiesmum on April 10, 2008, 21:29:12 PM
I had experience of this with my dog.  She had to take diuretics twice a day and Fortekor and Vetmedin to regulate her heart.  My cat Dragan had a grade 4 heart murmur towards the end of his life and he was put on Fortekor with devastating results (very rare).  He did not have any problems with fluid though. 

Hope you manage to sort out the fluid and get appropriate meds for the murmur.  Did the vet say what grade it was?
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 10, 2008, 21:30:54 PM
No not yet i think thats what the scans and tests are tomorrow.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 11, 2008, 00:33:53 AM
if your cat is on duritics its very important that your cat does not get dehydrated.

how old is freya and have they taken blood tests.

its very important to make sure the vet gives you all the info and if necessary write down a list of all questions you want to ask and make a note of his answers.

hope all goes well tomorrow  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Ela on April 11, 2008, 06:56:14 AM
Heart mummers are quite common and it could be that the heart murmur and the fluid on the lungs are two different issues.

Quote
She also has these pills which must be the smallest pills in the world and we have to give her a quarter of one every 8 hours.


You need to worry when it is what must be the smallest pills in the world an you have to cut them in 8, a nightmare I can tell you, especially as you are walking to the cat with it and it falls off your finger. In fact that is exactly what happened this morning.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 11, 2008, 10:54:55 AM
Morning

Well she is at the vets now for the day and they said that they might use a differant gas to anesthetise her cause last time she went far to sleepy that i thought she was dead at one point.

She is just over 2 and a half years old, she hasnt had any blood tests and they havent said that they will today either but i guess if they are going to do that then they will do it while she is anesthetised. Today she is just having an x ray, ecg and a scan.

That sounds like lots of fun Ela :S
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Maddiesmum on April 11, 2008, 12:02:55 PM
Hope everything goes well at the vet's :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 11, 2008, 18:53:00 PM
She is home with 3 differant types of tablets. She has Hypotrophic cardiomyopathy so we have to see how she does on the drugs until the end of the month then we have to decide what to do with her if they are not working  :'(

For anyone that doesnt know what the condition is the vet described it as when you hear about the footballers that walk out on to the pitch and then drop dead during the match  :scared:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Maddiesmum on April 11, 2008, 19:38:41 PM
I hope the meds work well with her
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: swampmaxmum on April 11, 2008, 20:13:03 PM
what a huge worry, I'm so sorry. I really hope the meds work. Do you have to keep her quiet (no da Birds I suppose)? Don't stop hoping that she will be fine. She's been through a lot today, poor mite. Hope you have a peaceful weekend with her  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on April 11, 2008, 20:35:21 PM
Sorry to hear this  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: LesleyW on April 11, 2008, 22:11:00 PM
Don't be too disheartened by the diagnosis.  My George has tetralogy of fallot which is a rare heart condition which was discovered when we found he had a grade 5 heart murmur.  Basically he has four things wrong with his heart and the Cardioligist told me when he was 12 weeks old that he could not tell me how long George had.

I read as much as I could about the condition and George has to have beta blockers and aspirin and not too much exercise.  George is now 2 and a half and apart from a scare before Christmas when he did get very breathless and very blue at times, anybody who did not know his condition would not think there was anything wrong with him.  If he gets past three I know he will be doing well but at the moment I don't think even he knows he is different so the main thing is to give them quality of life not quantity.

Hope Freya responds to the medication and sending love from me and George. :rofl:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 12, 2008, 18:59:01 PM
Are there any members that have had to deal with this condition? If so i have a question. How long would it take for the meds to make her breath properly again as she seems to still be struggling with her breathing.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 14, 2008, 21:26:53 PM
I am sure there is someone who has a cat with this and this is a question you should be asking your vet.

If you havent done so ring him and ask.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 14, 2008, 21:32:04 PM
Flame try reading the first link and the second is just the search I did giving other links

http://fabcats.org/hcm/index.html

http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q=Hypotrophic+cardiomyopathy+in+cats&go=&form=QBRE
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 14, 2008, 21:55:17 PM
I did ask my vet as soon as i was able to of course. I took her there tonight to be checked over and he said her breathing would normally have improved a bit by now and told us to up her frusemide we have to take her back on thursday to see how she is getting on.

Thanks for the links, i have read the first site already and have read plenty of others to.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Maddiesmum on April 14, 2008, 22:04:23 PM
Best of luck, hope there is a vast improvement
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs
Post by: Flame on April 14, 2008, 22:05:31 PM
Thank you
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 22, 2008, 21:21:26 PM
Well its not looking good, We took her to the vet last week for a check over and they said her breathing was still a little fast but she seemed to have improved so were happy for her to continue with the pills she was on and to go again this thursday for another check up. But instead just sat here tonight watching eastenders and i notice she is being a little agitated and not sit in one place, she is panting, so i get on the phone to the vet as when we took her in the first time she wasnt as bad as panting. The vet said it was up to us whether we take her in which is a 25 min car journey or just let her stay at home in a quiet room thats not to warm, when i asked if i should expect the worst if i kept her at home she said probably yes. So we decided to take her in, she sat on my knee in the car all the way there as i didnt want to stress her out anymore by putting her in the cat bag and she didnt budge all the way there. When we got there the vet said that her lungs didnt sound to crackly but her gums were very pale and her pulses were not very good so it was deffinately her heart problem and that the blood wasnt being pumped around her body fast enough.

Anyway they have kept her in in a oxygen tent and are giving her some injections to calm her down and will call me tomorrow morning or overnight should anything happen. But have been told i can ring them later to check on her if i want to. If there is no improvement tomorrow then we will probably asked what we want to do  :'(

Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 22, 2008, 21:24:17 PM
Aww, fingers crossed the oxygen works well for her.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on April 22, 2008, 21:39:14 PM
Poor Freya  :(  Really hope the oxygen can stabilise her, have everything crossed for her and will be thinking of you  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: alisonandarchie on April 22, 2008, 21:41:31 PM
Thinking about you both :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 22, 2008, 21:42:19 PM
I am so sorry she is ill again and hope that she stablizes in the oxygene tent......I wonder if the warmer weather is affecting her.

Lots of good thoughts for her tonight  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Bazsmum on April 22, 2008, 21:47:55 PM
Sending healing vibes to Freya~~~~~~ :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 22, 2008, 21:50:09 PM
This is my little Freya cat

(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/purpleragdol/DSC00074.jpg)

Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Mark on April 22, 2008, 21:56:42 PM
She is beautiful  :Luv2:

Lets hope the oxygen works. Otherwise, can they give you more time to speak to a heart specialist?
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 22, 2008, 21:58:01 PM
They are going to speak to him in the morning before they call us.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: swampmaxmum on April 22, 2008, 22:07:58 PM
oh, she's such a lovely, sweet little girl. All my thoughts are with you and Freya right now. I so hope she stabilises overnight and you can get some specialist help tomorrow.  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Sheli_80 on April 22, 2008, 22:42:03 PM
Hope she gets better overnight.

Sending  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 23, 2008, 00:27:46 AM
Freya is gorgeous  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Canterbury_cats (Sharon) on April 23, 2008, 07:43:57 AM
Thats very young to have heart problems. Dont fret to much my Bella (Siamese of 13yrs) had something similar several years ago and has been on meds since.. She was on a oxygen tent for a week or so but is now okay and still going strong.

However, as i am Canterbury way their is a veterinary hospital with a cardiac vet specialist (best in the country apparently) Dr Chris Little, without him being around i dont think Bella would of survived.. Although this wasnt my normal vet (out of hours Vets Now and then Barton VS) my own vet wouldnt of been able to save her a the critiial time as they dont have the most up to date equipment.  Not sure where you are but mention specialist and you may get a referral if your vets are happy with that or at least a second opinion if needed.

Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Mark on April 23, 2008, 08:04:43 AM
I don't know if you have seen it but there is a site about it http://members.aol.com/jchinitz/hcm/
http://members.aol.com/jchinitz/hcm/

Also, this site. It says that the fluid is related to it http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hyp-cardio.html
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 23, 2008, 09:16:24 AM
We got a call this morning was told she was getting worse and to decide what we wanted to do and just now literally got a call back and he said that unfortunately she is going on her own, her breathing is stopping.

As i was typing this the vet rang and said she has gone :'(
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Dawn F on April 23, 2008, 09:19:33 AM
so sorry  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: swampmaxmum on April 23, 2008, 09:39:49 AM
poor little mite, she was so terribly ill. I'm so very sorry and my thoughts are with you.  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on April 23, 2008, 09:40:00 AM
Flame,

Sorry I missed this yesterday  :'(

Very sorry to hear Freya has gone.  Please accept me sincere condolences.

RIP Freya baby.  Play hard at the bridge little one. xxx
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: ginge66 on April 23, 2008, 09:43:57 AM
So sorry to see this :(, thinking of you.

R.I.P Freya.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Mark on April 23, 2008, 09:53:52 AM
Poor little Freya and poor you  :hug:

You did all you could - it's just so sad  :'(
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Leanne on April 23, 2008, 10:23:59 AM
 :hug: :hug:

I'm so sorry to hear this, thinking of you
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: clarenmax on April 23, 2008, 10:26:02 AM
I'm very sorry  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: JackSpratt on April 23, 2008, 10:37:46 AM
I'm so sorry.

RIP, Freya. :RIP:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Team Svartalfheims on April 23, 2008, 11:05:41 AM
I am so sorry, you did everything you could to help her  :'( She was a beautiful girl  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on April 23, 2008, 11:19:08 AM
So sorry to hear this  :(  RIP Freya, safe and sound at the Bridge until your Mum is ready to collect you xx

Remember Our Love

I was chosen today
I'm learning to fly
the world took me away,
but please don't you cry

And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone

When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.

Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Sheli_80 on April 23, 2008, 11:44:30 AM
So sorry to hear about Freya.

R.I.P little one.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on April 23, 2008, 12:19:23 PM
Oh no, I am so sorry.

Poor little sweetheart but she is free of pain now bless her.

Sending you a hug, I am sorry xxx
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Bazsmum on April 23, 2008, 12:37:26 PM
So sorry to hear the sad news.... :(

RIP Sweet Freya......xxxx

 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Kirst on April 23, 2008, 12:41:11 PM
So sorry , RIP freya.xx
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on April 23, 2008, 13:03:45 PM
So so sorryhave only just found this post

R I P Freya xxxx
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 23, 2008, 16:25:30 PM
 :thanks: for all your lovely replies.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on April 23, 2008, 17:32:50 PM
So very sorry to hear about Freya, I lost my Gypsy just a week ago in similar circumstances (difficulty breathing and she was in an oxygen tent too) -  my heart goes out to you  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Flame on April 23, 2008, 17:35:06 PM
So very sorry to hear about Freya, I lost my Gypsy just a week ago in similar circumstances (difficulty breathing and she was in an oxygen tent too) -  my heart goes out to you  :hug:

Aww really?! Its awful isnt it watching them go through that.  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 23, 2008, 21:39:45 PM
I am so sorry to hear this, I really hoped she would improve. RIP little one.
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on April 23, 2008, 21:53:59 PM
I am so sorry  :hug: :hug:

RIP Freya
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: snarf on April 24, 2008, 17:35:05 PM
hun  :hug:
im so sorry, ive only just caught up with this.  Freya was an absolutely lovely cat. a credit to you and a one in a million personality and such a beauty. its so sad to hear shes gone  :(  :hug:
Title: Re: Heart murmers and fluid on lungs - *Update* Rushed to vets again
Post by: Lesley Frankie on April 24, 2008, 19:14:33 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about Freya, she was a beautiful little girl. We lost our lovely girl Morticia Muffin the same way 4 years ago. You did all you could have done for her. Please take care of yourself. :hug: