Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: felfel on October 24, 2008, 14:35:48 PM

Title: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 24, 2008, 14:35:48 PM
Hi there,

I wonder if someone can help?  We have a four year old Persian cat.  This morning he woke us up, he was in alot of pain and his back legs had gone.  We took him straight to the vets, who says that she believes he has some kind of heart failure, and that his legs have gone because a clot has dislodged and is blocking his arteries.  She has been very honest with us, and said that his chances of a full recovery are slim.  However, she has said that she can send him to a specialist on Monday morning, who will be able to diagnose exactly where the clot is.  Of course we want to do what we can to help him, but really don't know if driving him over an hour and a half away for more tests is the best move.  As we understand it his prognosis looks bad where ever the clot is, and our vet has said that it is virtually impossible to manage heart problems of this nature in cats.  Does anyone have any advice?  Has anyone had a similar experience??  We want to do all we can for him, but also want to minimise his suffering.

Thanks!!
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Maddiesmum on October 24, 2008, 14:46:00 PM
No advice I am afraid but sending best wishes for you all.  I am sure someone with some experience of this condition will be along soon.
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Gillian Harvey on October 24, 2008, 14:50:18 PM
I We have a four year old Persian cat.  This morning he woke us up, he was in alot of pain and his back legs had gone.  We took him straight to the vets, who says that she believes he has some kind of heart failure, and that his legs have gone because a clot has dislodged and is blocking his arteries.  She has been very honest with us, and said that his chances of a full recovery are slim.  However, she has said that she can send him to a specialist on Monday morning, who will be able to diagnose exactly where the clot is.  Of course we want to do what we can to help him, but really don't know if driving him over an hour and a half away for more tests is the best move.  As we understand it his prognosis looks bad where ever the clot is, and our vet has said that it is virtually impossible to manage heart problems of this nature in cats.  Does anyone have any advice?  Has anyone had a similar experience??  We want to do all we can for him, but also want to minimise his suffering.


Sorry to hear about your cat  :hug: Give his young age and that heart problems can be managed I would probably do the tests, but I hope your vet has already started treatment as the sooner it begins the better the outcome with a clot. I have a persian with heart failure and he is on fortekor and diuretics, luckily he hasnt thrown a clot, but its always in the back of my mind that it could happen. I  joined a heart group on yahoo when Sam was diagnosed and I'd recommend it as there are many people on there who have gone through the same as you and have lots of advice to give. Heres the link. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feline-heart/

This info is quite good too: http://fabcats.org/owners/heart/cardiomyopathy.html
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Stuart on October 24, 2008, 14:52:58 PM
so sorry to read this  :(
no advice, but sending healing thought's  :hug: :hug: :hug:

Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 24, 2008, 15:22:46 PM
Thanks everyone, that's really helpful.  I've joined the yahoo group, there's lots of useful information on there.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: sheryl on October 24, 2008, 15:34:20 PM
So sorry to hear about your little boy - has your vet mentioned HCM?

Love and positive vibes that your little one makes a full recovery xxx
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 24, 2008, 16:30:51 PM
No she didn't mention HCM.  What is it??
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: swampmaxmum on October 24, 2008, 16:39:51 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat and I also hope that the vet is treating him now prior to a decision on whether to take him for tests on Monday. I googled HCM and found this http://www.hcmny.org/whatis/index.html

If he is well enough for the trip, I would be inclined to take him to see a specialist. In the meantime all the very best  :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 24, 2008, 16:43:38 PM
lots of good wishes for your cat  :hug:

what is his name ?
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 24, 2008, 17:01:03 PM
Thanks all.  Very helpful.

His name's Fel Fel, which is Perisan for pepper, which seemed to suit him!
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Janeyk on October 24, 2008, 17:12:08 PM
so sorry to hear about your cat, and I think I would try and help him if possible - wish you the very best and do let us know please xx
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Gillian Harvey on October 24, 2008, 17:27:23 PM
Thanks everyone, that's really helpful.  I've joined the yahoo group, there's lots of useful information on there.  Thanks again.

Glad you've joined the group, hope they can give you some advice. HCM is hypertrohic cardiomyopathy - its heart failure whne the heart is enlarged, its described in the FAB link I posted,  usually diagnosed with x-rays and scans (along with any symptoms) Its what my Sam has and prior to diagnosis I noticed shortness of breath, laboured breathing, and then open mouth breathing and he was very lethargic. He had fluid accumulated in his chest which he had to have drained, and thankfully, so far it hasnt built up again, although my vet said its likely it will.

Hope Fel Fel goes on ok, love his name, presume he is staying in at the vets at the moment?  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Balfie on October 24, 2008, 17:53:55 PM
Sending you and Felfel lots of love and good thoughts. :grouphug:

Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Kirst on October 24, 2008, 18:46:19 PM
Sadly we lost Oscar to HCM - but like Gillian's Sam some can go on for ages with treatment!

I would give the specialist a try -  :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 27, 2008, 20:40:12 PM
Hi everyone,

Just to say thank you to you all for your help and support.  Unfortunately Fel Fel died on Sunday and I am devastated.  He was only four years old, and had had no previous symptons so this has been a complete shock. 

As I understand it Persians can be prone to heart problems.  We actually got him as a rescue cat so don't know how reputable and responsible the breeder was in terms of screening.  We only had him for two years but he had so many health problems in that short time, but perhaps that's just the luck of the draw.  I can only say that he gave us two years of absolutely joy and pleasure and I don't know how we're going to adjust to life without him.

Thank you all for your support anyway.

Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: blackcat on October 27, 2008, 20:44:50 PM
Oh, so sad  :hug: :hug: do not allow this to discourage you from taking on another cat in need. The lessons you have learned from Fel Fel's short stay with you can do wonders for the future life of some other cat. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss ...
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on October 27, 2008, 20:47:18 PM
Thank you so much.  That means alot.  It is just so awful.
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Janeyk on October 27, 2008, 20:50:16 PM
 :hug:  everso sorry to hear this, I was wondering how he was.   
Godbless your kitty Fel Fel, he was obviously very loved by you xx
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Kirst on October 27, 2008, 20:55:24 PM
So sorry to hear this - I have been there and know just how you feel. :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: sheryl on October 27, 2008, 22:23:15 PM
i am so very very sorry to hear this, take comfort in the fact that little FelFel knew lots of love and happiness whilst he was with you xxx  :hug:

RIP little one - play hard at the bridge sweetheart xxx
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 27, 2008, 22:26:41 PM
I am so sorry , you must be devasted but I am sure that Felfel will send you a message from the Bridge and he knows you loved him so much  :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Gillian Harvey on October 27, 2008, 22:31:37 PM
Oh no, I'd been thinking about him since you first posted, I'm so sorry  :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: andyturner on October 27, 2008, 23:02:26 PM
Please accept my condolences.

Sadly there is nothing more certain in Life than Death. Don’t worry he will be playing with all our other loved ones on the other side. One day you will see and hold him again. In the meantime you could ask a relative or friend that has already passed over to keep an eye on him for you?

My thoughts and prayers are with you & Felfel,
Andy
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on October 28, 2008, 00:32:20 AM
Really sorry to hear about Fel Fel  :hug:



Remember Our Love

I was chosen that day
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: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Stuart on October 28, 2008, 01:37:18 AM
I'm so sorry  :hug: :hug: :hug:
:RIP: Fel Fel
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: sazkat2 on October 28, 2008, 16:23:53 PM
Just read this.  Im so sorry xxxx :hug:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: clarenmax on October 28, 2008, 17:07:05 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this, my thoughts are with you at this sad time  :hug:

RIP little one xxxxxxx
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Maddiesmum on October 28, 2008, 17:24:11 PM
Oh no, I just caught up with this.  I am so very sorry what an awful shock for you all.  RIP Fel Fel
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 28, 2008, 22:20:50 PM
I am sorry to hear this, RIP little one - but at least he got to end his life somewhere he was well loved
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: bunglycat on October 29, 2008, 03:20:57 AM
So sorry to hear about your persian Fel Fel  :RIP: Fel Fel - you were a much loved little boy
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: felfel on November 04, 2008, 09:09:05 AM
Thank you all for your kind comments and support, they mean alot.  I've uploaded a picture of him for you to see.

Helen, thank you for the poem, it's beautiful.

And Andy, thanks for the suggestion.  When I said goodbye to Fel Fel I did tell him that Kim and Beano would be there to meet him, so they'll all be together.

It's an awful time but thank you all for your comments and sympathy, they have made a difference. 
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: bunglycat on November 04, 2008, 16:13:24 PM
been looking for his pic , but couldn''t find it .
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Balfie on November 12, 2008, 20:55:27 PM
Felfel was my nephew, I'm sure my sister wont mind if I try to post his pic.  I hope this works...
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: Balfie on November 12, 2008, 20:58:55 PM
Ah, I'm glad it worked.  This is Felfel, sadly missed.  His character was as great as his good looks.

Be happy at the bridge little one, til we all meet again. xxx  :Sad Bye:
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: bonnielass on November 12, 2008, 21:03:10 PM
im so sorry to read about your lose :( he was a beautiful kitty and i know you will miss him but hes at peace now and enjoying playing on the bridge until you meet again :RIP: Felfel
Title: Re: Can someone help me please? Cat with possible heart failure!
Post by: bunglycat on November 12, 2008, 21:07:28 PM
He is so gorgeous - Play hard at the bridge Felfel - you will meet of friend there . I have 6 fur babies up there as well as ones i fed that came to me.