Questions about Sudden Death Syndrome

[charlottejones]

I had a cat Tux whom I found as an outdoor stray last August. He did not appear to be a young cat. I took him to the vet for an exam, neutering, and all his vaccines. For the last 4 months, he did great, gaining weight, and his appetite was good. I kept him as a strictly indoor cat.

However, on December 24, he suddenly acted as if he couldn't breathe (his mouth was wide open) and he collapsed. In a matter of minutes, his hind legs came up in a convulsive motion, and then he passed away.

A few days before this happened, he had coughed a couple of times, and I had also noticed a stiffness or slight limp in his back leg. On the day he died, he had made an odd sound and vomited three times before collapsing.

I was wondering if he had already had heartworm before I found him as a stray (I suspect this because of the coughing and vomiting). I understand that heartworm can cause an embolism or congestive heart failure. I was wondering if this (or cardiomyopathy) caused him to limp, and if the heartworm could have brought on the cardiomyopathy.

Lastly, after he had collapsed, I gave him some subcutaneous fluids which seemed to make him feel a little better, but he was still semicomatose. Should I have continued the fluids, or would it have made any difference?

Any input or feedback to my questions is greatly appreciated.

[LisaLisa]

Dear Charlotte,

I'm so sorry to about Tux. Without having an autopsy done, it's hard to say what may have happened. I'm clearly not an expert in this area but could he have eaten something undesirable which may have been toxic?

Please know you did all you could for dear Tux and try not to second guess any of your actions..I know that is easier said then done.

Safe journey to the bridge, sweet TUx.

(((Hugs)))
Lisa

[annabradley]

I'm so sorry about your kitty. My prayers are with you.
Anna B.

[Traci]

Without knowing his age, general health status, it's impossible to say. If your vet knew about the first incident of coughing, he should have addressed this further and included a heartworm test at that time, as well as checked heart function with an ECG, blood pressure check, etc.

Heartworm can, in fact, cause sudden death, but only a necropsy can determine the cause of death.

If cardiomyopathy was present, this too can cause sudden death in some cats, as a result of thromboemolism, sometimes without prior symptoms. Most cardiomyopathies, however, develop gradually, presenting clear and obvious symptoms that can be addressed and treated.

Fluids should not be given to a cat with suspected heart problems, since there could be accumlated fluid in the chest cavity, additional fluids given can exacerbate the condition. Diuretics and oxygen therapy are generally the mainstay in treatment in a crisis, with emergency veterinary treatment.

If you live in a heartworm-prevalent area, and plan to adopt a new kitty in the future, please discuss with your vet about testing for heartworm, and keeping your cats on a heartworm preventative. Indoor cats usually do not require a preventative, but if they have outdoor access, the risk is increased.

I'm very sorry about your loss, thankful however that he knew love and compassion when you took him into your heart and hoome...(((HUGS)))