I'm asking this for a German aquaintance of mine. She has a 1 year/3 months old male cat. She noticed while playing he would pant quickly so went to her vet a few days ago.
The examination showed a fast heart beat. An ultrasound of the heart was performed and the finding was that the main valve is too small resulting in not enough blood being pumped. Hence the heart has to pump faster and even when not active the heart pumps as fast as if he's running.
The vet said this might either be a congenital defect or something that started recently. In the first case it could be supported with medication and would probably not worsen. In the second case it would probably worsen with time and he might only live for another 2 years.
The vet recommended to wait one year and then have another ultrasound to see if the condition has worsened. If it worsens he said it would be advisable to euthanize the cat.
He did not prescribe any medication.
So the question is now: is this the right course of action? I'm puzzled that he didn't give any supportive medication.
What do you think? I advised her to find a heart specialist, or at least get a second opinion.
Heart defect - no meds neccessary?
Re: Heart defect - no meds neccessary?
She needs to see a board-certified feline cardiologist, promptly. Additional tests would include ECG and EKG and blood pressure tests. She should take a copy of all kitty's records, including the ultrasound report to the cardiologist.
NEVER EVER assume one vet has accurately diagnosed a heart condition, a second opinion, with a specialized cardiologist is always warranted.
NEVER EVER assume one vet has accurately diagnosed a heart condition, a second opinion, with a specialized cardiologist is always warranted.
..........Traci
Re: Heart defect - no meds neccessary?
Yes, thanks, I'll forward that. I hope she'll find a specialist.