Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Gillian Harvey on July 16, 2008, 19:15:24 PM

Title: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 16, 2008, 19:15:24 PM
I noticed Sam's breathing had been fast recently, he's been coughing and open mouth breathing these last couple of days. Anyway, Jane the vet  listened to his heart and its really fast, so she's going to do another T4 test (he had one about 2 yrs ago and it was borderline high) She's also thinking other possibilities  - asthma or heart problems aside from the problems hyperT can cause.

So he's got to go in again tomorrow morning for the blood test - Jane's talking about x-rays and scans too - but we're going to do it in stages (I still owe her for when Gypsy was ill back in April!) Presumably if it comes back conclusive for hyperT then we won't need to do x-rays and scans?

I had to get Lucy out of the cat basket before I could put Sam in to take him! - and now we're back Joe's asleep in it!  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Maddiesmum on July 16, 2008, 19:37:00 PM
Sorry to hear Sam's not well.  Hope they can get to the bottom of it quickly. :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Liz on July 16, 2008, 21:39:50 PM
Hope all goes well tomorrow somehow they never get ill at a good money time!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Millys Mum on July 16, 2008, 22:35:50 PM
If he has thyroid issues his in house bloods will indicate it so you should know whats a little of whats happening without waiting a week for the t4 result  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 16, 2008, 22:41:35 PM
Hope every thing goes well for Sam tomorrow.

Sending lots of  :hug: :hug: to you and Sam.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 17, 2008, 01:12:43 AM
Hope Sam is OK  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: ccmacey on July 17, 2008, 02:08:17 AM
Oh no hope my your Sammy is going to be ok  :(

Come on Sam your made of harder stuff  :Luv:

 :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 17, 2008, 07:53:02 AM
Fingers crossed for him - according to my vet, thyroid issues will alter the liver values, so you can tell from that if they need testing.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Leanne on July 17, 2008, 13:21:04 PM
 :hug:

Hope Sam is okay
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 17, 2008, 14:25:32 PM
Thanks all!  :thanks:

He's had his bloods taken this morning and Jane asked for a wee sample too - hah! I've had him in my bedroom on his own with 2 litter trays filled with the Katkor stuff since w'eve been home and he is steadfastly refusing to christen either tray!  :sigh: surely he's gotta go soooon?!!! Add to that the fact that he's really fed up being shut in there, he's not a happy boy! and I feel really mean!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 17, 2008, 14:27:04 PM
I normally follow mine around the garden with a tea cup Gillian, Amber once held out 24 hours with those plastic beads in the tray the minute I took her outside I got the sample!!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2008, 17:44:57 PM
Good luck today Sam & Gillian  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on July 17, 2008, 17:48:42 PM
Fingers crossed for the results and a  :hug: for you and Sam.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Millys Mum on July 17, 2008, 17:55:26 PM
Good luck for his results  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 17, 2008, 18:53:23 PM
 :thanks:

Aaha! - got me sample  :yayyy:

I had to go out and he still hadnt performed so let him out as he was well p :censored: off being shut away! I followed him around for a bit when I got home and he still didnt look like he was gonna go, so unpacked the shopping and blow me he snuck into the litter tray cupboard while I wasnt looking  - blimey! I nearly missed it - you should have seen me flying across the kitchen to grab the plastic tray I'd got out,  just in case,  and shoving it underneath him mid flow!  :evillaugh: Trouble is vet was closed by then - its in the fridge  :sick: hope its gonna be ok still for tomorrow!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Puffball (Louise) on July 18, 2008, 01:22:32 AM
 :rofl: :rofl: Just picturing you flying across the kitchen!
Well done for getting his sample and big  :hug: to Sammy. Hope he is back to normal soon   :Luv:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2008, 07:39:59 AM
Fingers crossed - it depends what they want to test for, if it is for crystals, it needs to be less than 4 hours old, but when they wanted one from Rosie, I was told age of it isn't as important.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 18, 2008, 14:34:34 PM
, if it is for crystals, it needs to be less than 4 hours old,

No, its a general 'old cat' profile including bloods, urine -  and the T4 because of his symptoms.

What I don't like is what seems to be this 'blanket' treatment my vet goes for, even before any results,  i.e. treat with antibiotics/steroids - Sam was given both yesterday evening - and to be perfectly honest he seemed a lot worse during the evening than he had been before the meds.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: ccmacey on July 18, 2008, 22:10:26 PM
How old is my gorgeous fella Gillian?

Hope he's feeling better today  :Luv:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 18, 2008, 22:23:56 PM
He's not too bad thanks  :thanks: - his breathing is still quick though, hope the results come through quickly so I can get him sorted out.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 19, 2008, 10:20:07 AM
What an odd way of treating, my vet is the opposite and doesn't like using steroids. Shame he seemed a bit worse after them, but good luck for the results.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: MrsR on July 19, 2008, 11:52:27 AM
Hope he is getting better and the test results come back ok.

Don't envy you with what you went through to get a urine sample, I had that with Sylvester and it took days and days!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on July 19, 2008, 13:39:19 PM
Good luck with the results Gillian xxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: bunglycat on July 19, 2008, 15:04:49 PM
Hope he is ok Gill.
I had to leave Smartie at the vets once all day so he could get a sample (cystitis) and he didn''t go , he kept him in all night and he eventually had to go and as he always goes right at the back of the litter tray (and mine have hoods and are quite big ) after the long wait he then back kicked and kicked it over and lost the sample !
He waited then all day again and didn''t go ,so did a blood test instead .
He also has a heart condition found by x ray and he is on fortekur for that and seems to be doing ok thank goodness.
Really hope Sam is ok -sending big  :hug: to him from my lot.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 19, 2008, 16:00:41 PM
I have missed this thread before now  :-[.  Hope you can get the results quickly and get Sam on the mend  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 19, 2008, 19:48:40 PM
 :thanks:

Here he is out in the garden today - laying on an old rug that I use as a 'kneeler' in the garden, oh well, had meant to do some weeding, but if Sam wants to sit on the rug, who am I to move him?!!!  :evillaugh: Actually he didnt stay outside long - I think he's finding it hard to settle.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/scruffyjoe/Cats/SamJul08-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 19, 2008, 20:56:33 PM
Awww Sam is adorable. Hope you get the results quickly.

Sending you and Sam lots of  :hug: :hug:.x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 21, 2008, 23:13:42 PM
Awww Sam is adorable. Hope you get the results quickly.

Sending you and Sam lots of  :hug: :hug:.x

Thanks Pav  :thanks: - no results yet, bit soon I suppose. He's not himself - he is sleeping a lot and not moving round much, although he's eating ok. The one thing he has stopped doing, is sleeping on my bed. If I could count on one cat definitely sleeping on my bed it was Sam, without fail, every night, after biscuits - he would curl up on the bed with me. Since he's had these symptoms he's not been doing that - it feels really strange and I am uneasy about it.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 22, 2008, 08:19:24 AM
I'm surprised you have had no results back yet Gillian, I would be ringing up today to chase them - even when I have full bloods done by the lab rather than in house, it isnt more than 48 hours - generally, if I have them done on a Thurs evening, I get the results eihter Sat if it is my vets day to work (they do alternate), or Mon, and that is mainly cos they dont get sent till Fri. A change in sleeping patterns is a bit worrying - did they check his temp?
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 22, 2008, 10:37:47 AM
I'm surprised you have had no results back yet Gillian, I would be ringing up today to chase them - even when I have full bloods done by the lab rather than in house, it isnt more than 48 hours - generally, if I have them done on a Thurs evening, I get the results eihter Sat if it is my vets day to work (they do alternate), or Mon, and that is mainly cos they dont get sent till Fri. A change in sleeping patterns is a bit worrying - did they check his temp?

I don't think they sent the bloods till Fri as that was when I took the wee sample in, so maybe will get something today, I think I will phone later (think I'm putting off the evil moment!) Yes, she took his temp - it was normal.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Bazsmum on July 22, 2008, 13:46:17 PM
Im keeping my fingers and toes crossed for great test results Gillian "Good Luck"!  :hug:

Big hugs for Sam! x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: sheryl on July 22, 2008, 16:05:55 PM
Positve vibes for good news in the test results  :hug:

Love and huggles for Sam xxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on July 22, 2008, 18:31:08 PM
Oh poor Sam! Am keeping everything crossed for him , and for you.xx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 22, 2008, 18:47:07 PM
 :thanks:

I'm  still waiting for results  :waiting: I phoned up and vet nurse went off to check and they have come back but vet was just putting them on the computer and will phone me............still waitin!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 22, 2008, 20:17:44 PM
Sending positive vibes for good result. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Mark on July 23, 2008, 07:56:34 AM
Good luck for today Gillian  :hug:

Annoying that the vets didn't call you back  >:(

Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 23, 2008, 08:03:13 AM
Ooh, how annoying, I hate it when that happens. Fingers crossed for good news today.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Bazsmum on July 23, 2008, 11:49:58 AM
Positive vibes being sent to you and Sam....More Good Luck too!  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on July 23, 2008, 13:25:09 PM
More from me too! :Luv:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 23, 2008, 14:36:18 PM
how is he today Gillian??
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Maddiesmum on July 24, 2008, 08:48:17 AM
Any news?
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 24, 2008, 12:42:20 PM
I hadnt heard from the vet, so just phoned her. Thyroid is within normal parameters, but he apparently has some renal dysfunction (didnt get the numbers on the phone, so not sure how bad it is) and there was blood in his urine. However, the renal dysfunction doesnt account for the fast breathing and lethargy - so now she wants to do an x-ray. Vet is still mentioning an allergy, asthma or - her words 'something more sinister'!!  :( by which I guess she's meaning heart? I dont' know - trouble is when I'm on the phone discussing this sort of thing, all the things I would normally want to ask, just seem to fly out the window - and as soon as I put the phone down I have a hundred and one questions going round in my brain! and now my vet isnt going to be around till Monday.

I really wanted it to be something relatively 'simple' like hyperthryoidism, I just want my Sammy to be back to normal and some definitive diagnosis - anyway, his x-ray is booked for next Wednesday.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Maddiesmum on July 24, 2008, 13:34:58 PM
Sorry you still don't know what it is Gillian, I hate it when vet's dangle the worst possible scenario in front of you.  Let's hope it isn't anything sinister.  Write all your questions down so that you have them ready for when you see the vet and in the meantime try not to worry too much  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 24, 2008, 22:47:39 PM
I hope that it is nothing sinister and that maybe the weather is having a bit of an effect. Please give some special cuddles to Sammu from me  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 24, 2008, 22:56:13 PM
Write all your questions down so that you have them ready for when you see the vet and in the meantime try not to worry too much  :hug:

Thank you  :thanks:

I got a copy of his results now. I can see his kidney function isnt good - creatinine is 219 (ref range is 20-177) and urea is 11.5 (ref range 2.5-9.9) Thats a difference from 2 yrs ago when those were both within normal ranges, althoug creatinine was high end of normal. He's only 10, I think thats young for his kidneys to be failing - I know he doesnt have PKD (cysts on the kidneys) as he had scan 2 yrs ago and no cysts showed on the kidneys then, and I can't see that they would suddenly develop in 2 yrs, as usually cysts are present from birth and grow.

My Suzie had PKD and I lost her age 14 and Jasper also has PKD (diagnosed a year now - he's 13) and he's stable.

I know the outcome of this - I've been here before too many times  :(
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: bunglycat on July 24, 2008, 23:27:47 PM
Hi Gill,
What about putting him on Fortekur -will that help?
Big  :hug: :hug: to Sam from us all here in Lincoln
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 25, 2008, 02:07:16 AM
Now you are making us all confused  :rofl: :rofl:

She is Gillian , I am Gill and you are .........................  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 25, 2008, 08:03:21 AM
At least his kidney values aren't mega high - I wonder if the vet tested his blood pressure? That would count for fast breathing, and CRF can cause lethargy. When Ginger had his done, it was about £12, and we were lucky he was in and out in 15 minutes (he was a laid back cat though), normally they do need a good gap between the two.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 25, 2008, 11:19:26 AM
 :hug: to you, Gillian.  Try not to cross your bridges until you come to them and you know exactly what's going on with little Sam.   :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 25, 2008, 12:38:46 PM
At least his kidney values aren't mega high - I wonder if the vet tested his blood pressure? That would count for fast breathing, and CRF can cause lethargy. When Ginger had his done, it was about £12, and we were lucky he was in and out in 15 minutes (he was a laid back cat though), normally they do need a good gap between the two.

Funny you should say that Des, I just thought late yesterday, the only thing we hadnt covered was blood pressure, and your right, it could account for the breathing rate given his renal results - vet didnt mention it, but I will when I take him for his x-ray on Wed - presumably they could do both that day?


:hug: to you, Gillian.  Try not to cross your bridges until you come to them

Thanks Christine  :thanks: - hard not to though.

She is Gillian , I am Gill and you are .........................  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

LOL!  :rofl:


Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 25, 2008, 12:40:12 PM

:hug: to you, Gillian.  Try not to cross your bridges until you come to them

Thanks Christine  :thanks: - hard not to though.


I know  :(  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 25, 2008, 12:49:08 PM
Gillian, just to say we are thinking of you and Sam. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Bazsmum on July 25, 2008, 12:52:04 PM
Gillian, just to say we are thinking of you and Sam. :hug: :hug:

My lot and me too!  :Luv: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Rosella moggy on July 25, 2008, 13:00:34 PM
Hi Gillian

Tom went in for blood pressure test a couple of weeks ago. He was there for the morning so he could settle a little. Do they need to sedate Sam for X ray?  If so, does sedation affect blood pressure test?  Just raising questions. I can't remember for sure.  You just might want to speak to vet before Wednesday's visit.

Sending best of good vibes to Sam and to you too of course  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 25, 2008, 13:24:40 PM
 :thanks: thanks guys!

Tom went in for blood pressure test a couple of weeks ago. He was there for the morning so he could settle a little. Do they need to sedate Sam for X ray?  If so, does sedation affect blood pressure test?  Just raising questions. I can't remember for sure.  You just might want to speak to vet before Wednesday's visit.

Yes, think the vet said sedation for the x-ray, it probably would affect the BP test - I will phone before Wed, I want to cover all bases.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: sheryl on July 25, 2008, 14:06:33 PM
Thinking of you and Sam  :hug:  :hug:  :hug: xxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on July 25, 2008, 14:29:06 PM
Big hugs for you and Sam - we are all thinking of you in Witney xx :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 25, 2008, 18:59:57 PM
 :thanks:  He's had a little stroll in the garden, but thats about it today, sleeping loads - but happily, still interested when I move into the kitchen to prepare their food!  ;D
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kittybabe (Ruth) on July 25, 2008, 19:04:24 PM
Best wishes Gillian :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: ems on July 25, 2008, 20:05:25 PM
Just wanted to add our best wishes for the gorgeous Sam  :hug:

ems, nina and kiki
xxxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 26, 2008, 09:28:06 AM
Sedation would affect the BP test - they are normally there for half a day, we were just lucky with Ginger, as he was so laid back his initial one was normal, so I didn't have to leave him. I would ring on Mon to ask, as they may be able to shuffle things round so it can be done on the same day.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 29, 2008, 15:14:33 PM
Sam's due for his x-ray tomorrow and I'm worrying now - especially about how the sedation will affect his breathing which is already fast/laboured. He hasnt slept on my bed since he's had these symptoms - but woke up this morning and was very surprised to see him there, must have got on the bed during the night, it was lovely to see him back there.  :Luv:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Topsy Turvey on July 29, 2008, 16:40:35 PM
Good luck for tomorrow Sam and Gillian.  Thoughts are with you x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 29, 2008, 16:49:33 PM
maybe he's feeling a bit better Gillian you never know
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Mark on July 29, 2008, 17:04:22 PM
Fingers crossed he's on the mend if he is getting back into regular habits  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on July 29, 2008, 19:23:54 PM
All the best of luck for tomorrow.xx :Luv2: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 29, 2008, 19:55:43 PM
Hope all goes well tomorrow and am sure they will look after him well  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: clarenmax on July 29, 2008, 20:28:02 PM
Best of luck for tomorrow  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 29, 2008, 20:44:31 PM
Sam's due for his x-ray tomorrow and I'm worrying now - especially about how the sedation will affect his breathing which is already fast/laboured. He hasnt slept on my bed since he's had these symptoms - but woke up this morning and was very surprised to see him there, must have got on the bed during the night, it was lovely to see him back there.  :Luv:

Try not to worry but to visualise the little chap back at home tomorrow evening after his procedure.  He will take his cue from you  :hug: and we all look forward to hearing what a brave little soldier he was  :Luv:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 29, 2008, 22:26:55 PM
and we all look forward to hearing what a brave little soldier he was  :Luv:

Or what a brave little soldier I was LOL!  :innocent:

Thanks all  :thanks: I'll try the visualisation thing (why is though that all the worst scenarios pop into your mind?!!) - its alright for him he's completely oblivious to whats happening tomorrow (no breakfast  :evillaugh: ) Appointment's not till 10.30, which means none of them will get breakfast until I get back after dropping him off, because I don't think its fair to add insult to injury by shutting him away while I feed all the others!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: candyshandy on July 29, 2008, 22:48:00 PM
Good luck for tomorrow Gillian

xx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 30, 2008, 00:07:01 AM
Good luck for you and Sam today. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: bunglycat on July 30, 2008, 02:44:11 AM
Hope everything goes okay with Sam- sending positive vibes to him and  :hug: :hug: from us all in Lincoln
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 30, 2008, 07:57:29 AM
Fingers crossed for him.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: em1209 on July 30, 2008, 10:21:35 AM
Hope all goes well for Sam today
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Topsy Turvey on July 30, 2008, 10:41:32 AM
Lots of loving headbuts from Summer, Smartie and Skye for Sam and you for today x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: swampmaxmum on July 30, 2008, 11:37:48 AM
all the very best for Sam and for you today  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 30, 2008, 12:45:52 PM
Its not good news really - vet's just phoned to say the x-ray shows lots of fluid in his chest, she can't see his heart properly because of it, but it could likely indicate heart failure/tumour. He started to get distressed this morning because they took his blood pressure while I was holding him, which didnt help - wish I'd never suggested taking BP now - he's normally very placid and taking BP is hardly invasive! BP was low. Anyway he had a bit of a rest from that, but was breathing even faster and heavier afterwards - I came home and they did the x-ray.

Vet's draining the fluid now, which isnt without risk because he's having to be aneathetised and vet may do scan while he's under to see whats going on.

My poor boy was scared and I hated leaving him - I'm scared too now.  :(  I've got to phone later - I can't remember what time she said now - I'm not concentrating very well.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: lucy on July 30, 2008, 12:59:31 PM
I'm sorry it is not better news -  :hug: - thinking of you both.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: clarenmax on July 30, 2008, 13:09:24 PM
I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed that the news is not as bad as you're thinking right now hun  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: sheryl on July 30, 2008, 13:20:22 PM
Huge big  :hug: Gillian, thinking of you and Sam today xxxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 30, 2008, 13:40:39 PM
Thank you  :thanks:

He's had the fluid drained and is coming round (apparently coming round is also not without risks so my vet tells me!!). The scan shows the heart thickened indicating disease, probably hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (think thats right - HCM anyway!) and prognosis isnt good, she's talking months  :'(

I've got to phone in a couple of hours to see when he'll be ok to come home.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on July 30, 2008, 13:44:06 PM
Sorry to hear the news isn't good, thinking of you both  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Mark on July 30, 2008, 13:48:24 PM
Sorry Gillian - what a year you have had  :hug:

I just hope they can help Sam  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kittybabe (Ruth) on July 30, 2008, 14:07:25 PM
Wish this was better news.  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: clarenmax on July 30, 2008, 14:21:18 PM
Sorry to hear the news isn't better  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Topsy Turvey on July 30, 2008, 14:26:59 PM
Oh Gillian - really sorry to hear the news about Sam x :brokenheart:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Bazsmum on July 30, 2008, 14:35:22 PM
So sorry to hear about Sam....I hope he gets some relief after they drain his chest.....BIG  :hug: :hug: :hug: to you both!  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 30, 2008, 14:48:46 PM
I am so sorry to hear about Sam and hope that he feels a lot better after the fluid is gone. Dont give up hope cos cats can be so quick to recover and months could be a lot longer. Cuddles to brave Sam and thinking of you both  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on July 30, 2008, 14:58:31 PM
Oh Gillian Im so so sorry. I know exactly how you are feeling as we have been in the same situation. Some cats can last quite a long time with the condition , so fingers crossed for you and Sam.xx :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: em1209 on July 30, 2008, 15:48:39 PM
Sorry to hear about Sam, sending you both lots of purry cuddles
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: kingbimbobs on July 30, 2008, 15:49:07 PM
omidevaram sam jaan zood khub beshuyad.

that's persian for i hope sam feels better soon.  :)
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: pappilon on July 30, 2008, 17:13:55 PM
Oh Gillian, i am sorry about the bad news, but please dont give up hope and stay strong for Sam and remember we are all here for you.

Sending you and Sam big  :hug: :hug:. x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 30, 2008, 18:00:30 PM
 :thanks: again for your good wishes everyone.


I've just got him home, he's a bit wobbly, but he came rushing (?) out to the kitchen just now when I went out there! Honey's wacked him one because he smells funny, poor boy, he's not used to things like that, he's such a gentle giant  :Luv2:

Its likely the fluid will build up again though, anyway Jane's given me Frusecare (sp?) diuretics and low dose fortekor, but apparently many of the other heart meds arent licensed for cats and many make them feel worse anyway - although she's going to contact a cardiac specialist and see if there is anything else he can have - but its only supportive really. She said we can drain the fluid off again - but he can't keep having that done with GA every time surely? aside from the fact it will distress him.  She's sending the fluid off for testing, don't know why really - but she showed me it  :sick: horrible cloudy stuff with blood in it  :sick:

I think he feels better though because he's just come upstairs which he rarely does now.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 30, 2008, 18:22:23 PM
 :hug: to both of you.

I am pleased Sam is acting perkier and obviously feels better.  That is the most important thing at this moment  :hug: :hug:
Keep us posted.

xC
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 30, 2008, 18:35:09 PM
so pleased he is home  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: bunglycat on July 31, 2008, 00:24:51 AM
Sorry to hear Sams results - but very glad he is home and feeling better -sending him lots of   :cuddle: and :grouphug: from the Lincoln persian gang.
Smartie is doing well on his Fortekur even though it does state for heart problems in dogs , my vet seems to think it works well in cats too - so heres hoping for both of them .
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 31, 2008, 07:54:43 AM
I am so sorry the news wasn't better Gillian, what an awful year for you. I do hope he proves the vet wrong, and hope he has lots of good times.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 31, 2008, 09:17:39 AM
sorry it isn't better news Gillian, hope you can at least make him comfortable, you've had an awful time recently   :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 31, 2008, 14:54:55 PM
He's a bit quiet today - understandable really! I'm still shell shocked myself! He's had his first diuretic tab this morning and I'm going to start the fortekor this evening, I don't like giving too many things at once - better spaced out what do you think?

He slept on my bed for some of last night, and he's sleeping in the top bed of the cat scratcher, which he hasnt done since this started - wonder why when his breathing was bad, it obviously felt better for him to sleep down on the floor, rather than up somewhere?

This is him yesterday evening after we'd got hom from the vets, after having a little saunter round the garden, just sitting outside taking in the air! He was a bit wet round his ruff because he'd been washing it furiously, trying to get all the surgical smells off him LOL!  :Luv:

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/scruffyjoe/SAM/SamJul08.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 31, 2008, 14:56:58 PM
He is so stunning  :hug:

Make sure he drinks well while he is on the duritics
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 31, 2008, 14:58:45 PM
maybe the effort of getting up on to things just wasn't worth it, sounds like he might be feeling a bit better, he is a lovely boy, how old is he Gillian?
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 31, 2008, 15:15:37 PM
He is so stunning  :hug:

Make sure he drinks well while he is on the duritics

Yes, vet said it can make them dehydrated - I don't understand about that, because we want the fluid to be dispersed or whatever the diuretics do, but then they make him dehydrated so he'll drink more - taking in more fluid?

maybe the effort of getting up on to things just wasn't worth it, sounds like he might be feeling a bit better, he is a lovely boy, how old is he Gillian?

Your'e probably right about the effort.

He'll be 11 on 24th December - a Christmas Eve baby! His breeder Audrey had her hands full that Christmas 11 years ago - 2 litters born on the 24th, the litter that Sam was born in and the litter that my Gypsy was born in! Its funny to think that when I went and chose Sam, I probably saw Gypsy (don't actually remember) who of course went to another owner, but then came to me age 7.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 31, 2008, 15:18:41 PM
The duretics are to clear the fliud in his lungs but will also take other fluid from his body so he should be thirsty.

The drinking will help to keep his body funtioning OK but will not put the fluid back in the lungs where its not wanted.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on July 31, 2008, 15:20:00 PM
what a coincidence! what a lovely furry Christmas she must have had!  

the only reason I say that about the effort is my brother has an enlarged heart which causes him to breathe heavily (in the nicest possible way!) but I know that until he was diagnosed and treated stairs and things were a real effort for him
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Millys Mum on July 31, 2008, 17:13:52 PM
Sorry to hear his diagnosis   :hug: :hug:


http://www.fabcats.org/owners/heart/cardiomyopathy.html (http://www.fabcats.org/owners/heart/cardiomyopathy.html)
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on July 31, 2008, 19:35:30 PM
So very glad to hear he seem to be feeling a bit better!!!  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 31, 2008, 20:18:27 PM
Fingers crossed the meds help
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Maddiesmum on August 01, 2008, 06:27:16 AM
Hope Sam is doing ok.  My dog Pepsi (RIP) was on fortekor and diuretics for 5 years due to heart problems before she had to be put to sleep (and it wasn't due to her heart problems).  Hopefully Sam will feel like a new cat. 
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 01, 2008, 17:59:36 PM
The duretics are to clear the fliud in his lungs but will also take other fluid from his body so he should be thirsty.

The drinking will help to keep his body funtioning OK but will not put the fluid back in the lungs where its not wanted.

Ah, ok, I get it! thanks.  :thanks:

He seems ok today, still a bit quiet and sleeping lots, but was energetic enough to jump out of the top bed of the cat scratcher and out to the kitchen when there was a bit of a false alarm as I'd accidently knocked their stack of plates (they are tin ones and don't half make a racket if you knock 'em or drop 'em!) and he thought somethign was happenin on the food front LOL!  :evillaugh: I am seeing more of the old Sam again which is lovely, he was quite withdrawn before he had the fluid drained, he's more back to his old self at the moment. Got to go back to vets on Mon evening.

Still feel like I'm living on knife edge though  :scared:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Millys Mum on August 01, 2008, 18:01:45 PM
Interested in grub is a good sign  ;D  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 01, 2008, 19:31:21 PM
Spoke too soon!  :( He WAS interested earlier on today - but I've just fed them and he's looked at his food, then looked up at me, so with a bit of encouragement from me he ate about half what he'd usually eat and walked away. Now that does worry me, as up till now the one thing he has been doing consistently is eating well.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on August 01, 2008, 19:56:59 PM
Praying that Sam continues to feel better - maybe he's just not hungry atm due to the heat??? :Luv2: :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 01, 2008, 20:31:58 PM
I do hope Sam is just temporarily off his food , you could ask the vet for a can of AD diet and see if he will eat that   :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 02, 2008, 23:01:47 PM
Fingers crossed it was a one off Gillian, I know what you mean about living on a knife edge though.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Andrew on August 03, 2008, 03:22:43 AM

Sending good wishes to Sam and you and will certainly light a candle and ask Charlie to look after Sam and you as well and praying that he will have years of happiness ahead.

If you need any advice reg cardiomyopathy, maybe a friend of mine can help you... let me know..

Andrew
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 03, 2008, 16:03:41 PM
Thanks again  :thanks:

Think that was just a little blip after all the traumas of the day of tests! He seems to be back to normal now, eating wise I mean, still a bit sleepy and not very active. He's having diurectics every other day now, and he's had two days of fortekor so far. Check up monday evening at the vets.
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Andrew on August 03, 2008, 16:05:31 PM

Do keep us posted

xxx
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: bunglycat on August 03, 2008, 16:09:59 PM
Smartie is simlar age and i think the fortekor makes them a bit tired -slows them down !?
He sleeps a fair bit now , but seems to be ok and he has been on them around 6 months now.
Sending the Handsome boy lots of big  :hug: :hug:- he is absolutely gorgeous !
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on August 03, 2008, 16:16:13 PM
Glad he's eating normally again Gillian  , hopefully the meds will really help him! :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Christine (Blip) on August 03, 2008, 17:18:47 PM
Think that was just a little blip after all the traumas of the day of tests! He seems to be back to normal now, eating wise I mean, still a bit sleepy and not very active.

Yes, Blip hopes it was just a little blip.  She always says that once you get your appetite back, that is a Good Sign  :hug:  and Sam may well be adjusting to the new medication and so on  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Topsy Turvey on August 12, 2008, 09:56:38 AM
How is Sam doing Gillian?
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 12, 2008, 11:26:19 AM
He's doing ok at the moment thanks  :thanks: I don't think fluid has built up again in his chest, or at least he's showing no outward signs of it - no fast breathing etc. He still sleeps a lot, but he's moving around much more than he was, even getting up on the worktops again. Its still feels strange when I go to bed now, because before all this he used to be the first one to follow me up to bed and the first on the bed, without fail, every night - but since he's been ill he nearly always stays downstairs, just very occasionally I'll wake up in the morning and find he's come up sometime during the night, I do miss him not being on the bed every night though.

He's eating well and takes his tablets just in his food now - eats them all up without realising they are there which is brill!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Topsy Turvey on August 12, 2008, 11:42:55 AM
Aw that's good to hear.  Love to him from the 3 S's here x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: clarenmax on August 12, 2008, 12:08:13 PM
I was going to ask how Sam was doing too, you beat me to it!

So pleased he's doing well  :hug:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Dawn F on August 12, 2008, 12:09:42 PM
glad he is a bit better Gillain shame he isn't coming up to bed any more but our Amber isn't either and I think she is a bit hot, I'm sure when it cools down he'll find his way back up again!
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: swampmaxmum on August 12, 2008, 13:18:08 PM
so glad he's a bit better and hope this totally  :censored:  'summer' weather doesn't make him feel worse again x
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 12, 2008, 14:04:54 PM
thank you all  :thanks:

Actually I think this weather might be better - for him! Its much cooler here, apparently high humidity makes heart cats feel worse, and it was very humid last week when he was much more sleepy and lethargic.

Don't know Dawn - could be, it was cooler last night and although he didnt come up straight away, I woke up this morning to find him curled up next to me  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Kirst on August 12, 2008, 22:04:26 PM
Im so gald he is responding well to his meds! Maybe it is still a bit warm for him to sleep with you , he might rejoin you when it gets cooler! :Luv2:
Title: Re: Sam's been to the Vet
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 13, 2008, 08:00:10 AM
Glad he is doing well, and hope he beats the vets estimations.