Hi, I am new here and in desperate need of some help. A week ago my seemingly healthy 1 1/2 yr old male cat Cernunnos died suddenly. An autopsy revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Sadly, my husband and I found out yesterday that his brother Dartagne also has the disease. Monday we have to take him for an echocardiogram to see how advanced it is.
My questions are:
1) has anyone else suddenly lost a cat to cardiomyopathy? My husband and I feel very alone right now and it might help to hear some other stories.
2) our vet told us to start Dartagne on 81 mg. of aspirin twice a week and we are supposed to give him his first dose tonight. Does anyone have experience with this?
Thank you for any help, advice, or support you can give.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Re: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
I would strongly suggest seeing a feline-only cardiologist, assuming that is who you are seeing Monday for the ECG? A cardiologist will be better able to explain the severity of the disease, the possible cause and the most effective treatment based on the ECG and other testing. I would encourage you to get kitty's blood pressure checked as well.
Thromboembolisms are the most common causes of sudden death,....despite treatment, some cats are susceptible to blood clots, or due to the severity of the disease (i.e., heart enlargement, insufficient blood flow, blocked arteries, etc). There are several medications for various symptoms of the disease, all of which need to be dosed carefully, and for the specific symptom. Only your cardiologist can determine which medication is most appropriate.
It would be best to talk to your cardiolosit in further detail during the ECG about medications, what they are used for, frequent monitoring and rechecks, and what to expect. Some cats respond well to medication and may even resolve the condition. I would not give up on this as your kitty is so young.
My heart goes out to you on your loss, I know how devestating this must be for you...please discuss this in full with your cardiologist and don't be afraid to ask him questions so that you have a better understanding of your kitty's condition.
Thromboembolisms are the most common causes of sudden death,....despite treatment, some cats are susceptible to blood clots, or due to the severity of the disease (i.e., heart enlargement, insufficient blood flow, blocked arteries, etc). There are several medications for various symptoms of the disease, all of which need to be dosed carefully, and for the specific symptom. Only your cardiologist can determine which medication is most appropriate.
It would be best to talk to your cardiolosit in further detail during the ECG about medications, what they are used for, frequent monitoring and rechecks, and what to expect. Some cats respond well to medication and may even resolve the condition. I would not give up on this as your kitty is so young.
My heart goes out to you on your loss, I know how devestating this must be for you...please discuss this in full with your cardiologist and don't be afraid to ask him questions so that you have a better understanding of your kitty's condition.
..........Traci
Re: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
I'm also posting this in the prayer book but in case you don't see it there I wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. My very best thoughts and prayers for Dartagne to be treated and healed quickly.