Ivy was diagnosed with CRF, anemia and heart murmur three weeks ago.
The vet wants her to have 200 ml. once daily. I asked about 100ml
twice daily because of the heart murmur. V said once is less
stressful and won't hurt her heart. Others are telling me 200 is too
much with a murmur. I started her on Pettinic but not at the vet's
recommendation. At the second visit she said ok but not every day.
Don't know what to do.
Do you know what "grade" the heart murmur was diagnosed? (i.e., grade 1 through 6)....did your vet suspect congestive heart failure at this point or is a mild heart murmur the only concern? Did your vet also mention if the heart is enlarged?
If the grade is higher than 2, if the heart is enlarged, speak to the vet you trust most to get an accurate direction. I would prefer the 200 ml split to two administrations each day....most cats don't mind getting them twice, and as a matter of fact, giving 200 ml at once will leave a heavy, large pocket of fluid which can make Ivy uncomfortable (plus, she probably won't sit still long enough to administer a full 200 ml).
If the grade is higher than 2, if the heart is enlarged, speak to the vet you trust most to get an accurate direction. I would prefer the 200 ml split to two administrations each day....most cats don't mind getting them twice, and as a matter of fact, giving 200 ml at once will leave a heavy, large pocket of fluid which can make Ivy uncomfortable (plus, she probably won't sit still long enough to administer a full 200 ml).
..........Traci
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leslks@aol.com
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2003 9:59 am
Re: Don't know what to do.
The vet did not tell me a grade for the murmur. She took xrays. The heart showed normal. I asked if she was sure there was a murmur. She replied, "YES". I find her to be an alarmist. Since the other diagnoses of CRF and Anemia were all the same day with a new hospital and vet I was still comprehending matters long after we got home. I called and wanted to know why she didn't recommend further heart testing. The tech relayed the question and answer. "In a perfect world that would be the thing to do". They don't do it there so I could see a cardiologist. I think if there was something serious that she heard with the heart, she would have referred me immediately.
A few times we have been able to get the whole 200ml. in one session. A couple of times at the beginning 100ml. was a chore and that is all Ivy got those days. She is going back to the vet in a couple of weeks to be checked again. I will try to do 100ml. 2x daily. She isn't weak or breathing hard so I believe the amount isn't hurting her.
Thank you!
A few times we have been able to get the whole 200ml. in one session. A couple of times at the beginning 100ml. was a chore and that is all Ivy got those days. She is going back to the vet in a couple of weeks to be checked again. I will try to do 100ml. 2x daily. She isn't weak or breathing hard so I believe the amount isn't hurting her.
Thank you!
Lynda
Re: Don't know what to do.
Linda, as a paying client at this veterinary clinic, you are entitled to a proper explaination to any of your questions, especially concerning diagnostics and what to expect from the diagnosis. If you feel you were being ill-advised or the vet was not thorough in her communication with you, it's ultimately up to you to speak to the clinic owner/director/manager to rectify this situation....based on your posts, this one vet seems to evade the majority of your questions and concerns, this is NOT right, and should be addressed immediately. I can't imagine a clinic vet acting in this manner and actually adding anything good to the reputation of the clinic as a whole. Again, only going by what you say here, it's impossible to know the small details of what transpires between you and your vet. Bottom line, if you're not satisfied with this vet, see another one, or make a complaint to the clinic owner so that hopefully these problems can be resolved and future clients/patients won't also have to deal with the same problems.
Heart murmurs are easy to hear upon exam, and the vet should have graded this...if she couldn't accuratlely grade it, or was not experienced in this area, then she should have referred you to a vet who could. Even another more experienced vet in the clinic could have been consulted or asked to listed to Ivy's heart sounds. However, if she felt it was only a mild murmur, the x-rays were not alarming, there was no visible heart enlargement, then it may not be a true concern at this point. On the other hand, CRF kitties or any kitty with a primary health condition can always develop a secondary health condition, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, myopathies, etc., in which case, an ECG can be performed to confirm the disease, or an ultrasound offered to confirm and form a treatment approach if necessary. Regardless of her actions, since she DID hear a murmur, you would do well to followup on that maybe around 6 months from now to ensure that it is not progressing. Keeping an eye on any murmur helps to ensure treatment is approached correctly if it is warranted or if heart disease is progressing.
Heart murmurs are easy to hear upon exam, and the vet should have graded this...if she couldn't accuratlely grade it, or was not experienced in this area, then she should have referred you to a vet who could. Even another more experienced vet in the clinic could have been consulted or asked to listed to Ivy's heart sounds. However, if she felt it was only a mild murmur, the x-rays were not alarming, there was no visible heart enlargement, then it may not be a true concern at this point. On the other hand, CRF kitties or any kitty with a primary health condition can always develop a secondary health condition, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, myopathies, etc., in which case, an ECG can be performed to confirm the disease, or an ultrasound offered to confirm and form a treatment approach if necessary. Regardless of her actions, since she DID hear a murmur, you would do well to followup on that maybe around 6 months from now to ensure that it is not progressing. Keeping an eye on any murmur helps to ensure treatment is approached correctly if it is warranted or if heart disease is progressing.
..........Traci
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leslks@aol.com
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2003 9:59 am
Re: Don't know what to do.
The vet told me today the heart murmur is grade 3. She is more concerned with Ivy getting enough fluids. Still wants her to have 200 ml. daily until we go back in 2 weeks.
Lynda
Re: Don't know what to do.
Ok, when you go back in in a couple weeks, ask to have Ivy's heart sounds listened to again, chances are there won't be any significant changes. You will want to monitor this alittle more frequently, like every 6 months or sooner if she develops any symptoms (breathing distress, coughing, etc). Again, with CRF, and a grade 3 heart murmur, need to really keep an eye on the heart function.
..........Traci