I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. I am going to type the report as and a list of the medications that are recommended. I would appreciate any input and or additional information as I am pretty ignorant in this field. Here is the report: We have evaluated the thoracic radiographs, ECG, and echocardiogram on this 2 year old cat with a history of tiring easily. The chest readiographs showed cardiomogaly with an increased left atrium. The ECG showed tall R-waves suggestive of cardiac enlargement. The echocardiogram did reaveal an enlarged left atrium and a thickened left ventricular wall consistent with hyperstrophic cardiomyopathy.
Recommendation: 1. Begin Atenolol 25 mg 1 per day 2. Begin Enacard 1mg 1 per day 3. One baby aspirin every 3 days to prevent clots 4. Continue Lasix 12.5 mg 2 per day
end of report. I fear giving all these medications because Spot is very sensitive to drugs and his vet seems to be concerned too, but these recommendations came from the cardiologist reading the tests.
Unfortunately, my laptop had to go back to compaq for more repairs so I set up a temporary account on a friends computer. I will try and check back soon. You can email me at j...@hiwaay.net I'm still don't know what to expect. Will he be in pain? Will I be able to tell if he is in pain? How long can I expect him to live? etc. All I can get from the local vets is, it's a serious condition with no cure. Thanks. Jean
I've thought about you and Spot often, not hearing from you, I feared the worst. I'm very much relieved.
The reports could have been more detailed, however, usually when the echos are so brief, its a very good sign. The medications that were prescribed are those of choice for HCM, and should (probably will) keep Spot's condition under control. Be sure you do not miss *any* doses, otherwise Spot's condition can deteriorate.
This may sound strange, but these results are good news! You caught it IN TIME! You have certainly saved Spot's life! The main reason why so many cats die from HCM is because its usually discovered too late and was left untreated for too long. I know, personally, of several cats that were diagnosed with HCM at Spot's age, and a few just a little older, who are doing just fine today - and they were diagnosed with HCM 6+ years ago!
The only advice I can offer is to avoid stressful situations and limit his physical activities. As far as pilling Spot, put the pills in a treat (small piece of roast beef or turkey), make up three treats total. Give Spot the first treat (without the pills) but let him see you holding the second treat (with the pills). He should chomp down the first treat in a hurry to get the second treat (with the pills). As you're giving him the second treat, let him see you holding the third treat (without the pills). He should chomp down the second treat (with the pills) in a hurry to get the third treat. Then give him the third treat to mask any taste of the pills in the second treat. This little trick has worked for me for 30 years! Never failed. Its *very* important that he does not miss any medications.
Spot will be just fine! You saved his life by catching and treating it in time!
Thank you so much for the update!
My very best wishes,
Phil. -- "How long does a cat stretch? From one end of my life to the other" Feline Healthcare - http://maxshouse.com
> I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. I am going to > type the report as and a list of the medications that are recommended. > I would appreciate any input and or additional information as I am pretty > ignorant in this field. > Here is the report: > We have evaluated the thoracic radiographs, ECG, and echocardiogram on this > 2 year old cat with a history of tiring easily. The chest readiographs > showed cardiomogaly with an increased left atrium. The ECG showed tall > R-waves suggestive of cardiac enlargement. The echocardiogram did reaveal > an enlarged left atrium and a thickened left ventricular wall consistent > with hyperstrophic cardiomyopathy.
> Recommendation: > 1. Begin Atenolol 25 mg 1 per day > 2. Begin Enacard 1mg 1 per day > 3. One baby aspirin every 3 days to prevent clots > 4. Continue Lasix 12.5 mg 2 per day
> end of report. > I fear giving all these medications because Spot is very sensitive to drugs > and his vet seems to be concerned too, but these recommendations came from > the cardiologist reading the tests.
> Unfortunately, my laptop had to go back to compaq for more repairs so I set > up a temporary account on a friends computer. I will try and check back > soon. You can email me at j...@hiwaay.net > I'm still don't know what to expect. Will he be in pain? Will I be able to > tell if he is in pain? How long can I expect him to live? etc. All I can > get from the local vets is, it's a serious condition with no cure. > Thanks. > Jean
jean wrote: > I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. <snip>
Jean, We found a compounding pharmacist for veterinary rx. Lou also has cardiomyopathy and is on Atenolol. We have it compounded in liquid form and she can have it chicken or beef flavoured. Since we found this pharmacist, Lou doesn't fight us at all at med time. She is on 5 mg. of Elavil also to keep her calm (not on your list) and we put it into a wee dab of hair ball goop, and she accepts it just fine, then we squirt the 1 ml. of liquid flavoured Atenolol and she thinks she's getting a treat. Just something for you to consider. Carone
Hi Phil, This is Jean on a friends computer. <g> I just look different. I just wanted to tell you how very much I appreciate your help. I think it is you who has saved Spot's life because of your knowledgable advice. I have had to go against the recommendations of the local vets here to get these tests done. They have not said this, but the little grins and casual remarks let me know that they think I am just a silly woman. People in this area apparently don't take very good care of their cats. So, thanks again. I am so grateful for your help and advice and for everyone else here who responded as well. So far Spot is doing good and I have seen no adverse affects from the medicines. The limiting physical activity is going to be a problem. I crushed all the pills up together and put them in a bite of tuna, he wolfed it right down and never knew that it was medicine. He has been so good to let me cram the lasix down his throat, but he will be happier this way. He is a wonderful cat and we love him dearly and hope that we will be able to keep him for a long time. Your message was heart lifting and promising because I wasn't given much hope from the locals. I will visit back when I get my computer back. Jean
> I've thought about you and Spot often, not hearing from you, I feared > the worst. I'm very much relieved.
> The reports could have been more detailed, however, usually when the > echos are so brief, its a very good sign. The medications that were > prescribed are those of choice for HCM, and should (probably will) > keep Spot's condition under control. Be sure you do not miss *any* > doses, otherwise Spot's condition can deteriorate.
> This may sound strange, but these results are good news! You caught > it IN TIME! You have certainly saved Spot's life! The main reason > why so many cats die from HCM is because its usually discovered too > late and was left untreated for too long. I know, personally, of > several cats that were diagnosed with HCM at Spot's age, and a few > just a little older, who are doing just fine today - and they were > diagnosed with HCM 6+ years ago!
> The only advice I can offer is to avoid stressful situations and limit > his physical activities. As far as pilling Spot, put the pills in a > treat (small piece of roast beef or turkey), make up three treats > total. Give Spot the first treat (without the pills) but let him see > you holding the second treat (with the pills). He should chomp down > the first treat in a hurry to get the second treat (with the pills). > As you're giving him the second treat, let him see you holding the > third treat (without the pills). He should chomp down the second treat > (with the pills) in a hurry to get the third treat. Then give him the > third treat to mask any taste of the pills in the second treat. This > little trick has worked for me for 30 years! Never failed. Its *very* > important that he does not miss any medications.
> Spot will be just fine! You saved his life by catching and treating it > in time!
> Thank you so much for the update!
> My very best wishes,
> Phil. > -- > "How long does a cat stretch? > From one end of my life to the other" > Feline Healthcare - http://maxshouse.com
> jean <j...@nowhere.com> wrote in message > news:n%Y14.95$417.11028@typ12.nn.bcandid.com... > > I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. I am > going to > > type the report as and a list of the medications that are > recommended. > > I would appreciate any input and or additional information as I am > pretty > > ignorant in this field. > > Here is the report: > > We have evaluated the thoracic radiographs, ECG, and echocardiogram > on this > > 2 year old cat with a history of tiring easily. The chest > readiographs > > showed cardiomogaly with an increased left atrium. The ECG showed > tall > > R-waves suggestive of cardiac enlargement. The echocardiogram did > reaveal > > an enlarged left atrium and a thickened left ventricular wall > consistent > > with hyperstrophic cardiomyopathy.
> > Recommendation: > > 1. Begin Atenolol 25 mg 1 per day > > 2. Begin Enacard 1mg 1 per day > > 3. One baby aspirin every 3 days to prevent clots > > 4. Continue Lasix 12.5 mg 2 per day
> > end of report. > > I fear giving all these medications because Spot is very sensitive > to drugs > > and his vet seems to be concerned too, but these recommendations > came from > > the cardiologist reading the tests.
> > Unfortunately, my laptop had to go back to compaq for more repairs > so I set > > up a temporary account on a friends computer. I will try and check > back > > soon. You can email me at j...@hiwaay.net > > I'm still don't know what to expect. Will he be in pain? Will I be > able to > > tell if he is in pain? How long can I expect him to live? etc. > All I can > > get from the local vets is, it's a serious condition with no cure. > > Thanks. > > Jean
> Hi Phil, > This is Jean on a friends computer. <g> I just look different.
Nope! You didn't fool me, I recognized you! You can't hide such a bright light.
> I just wanted to tell you how very much I appreciate your help. I think it > is you who has saved Spot's life because of your knowledgable
advice.
I merely gave you the map - you charted and navagated the course! Your relentless love, dedication and determination is what saved Spot's life.
I
> have had to go against the recommendations of the local vets here to get > these tests done. They have not said this, but the little grins and casual > remarks let me know that they think I am just a silly woman.
Don't be concerned, in the least, about them . "Credentials" don't always mean "competency" - one can exist without the other. Anytime you feel like a "silly woman", listen to Spot purr! You'll quickly realize its they who are silly (more like ignorant).
People in this
> area apparently don't take very good care of their cats. So, thanks again. > I am so grateful for your help and advice and for everyone else here who > responded as well.
Its a great bunch! You'll never find a group of more ardent cat lovers and kind, compassionate and helpful friends! I know I haven't.
> So far Spot is doing good and I have seen no adverse affects from the > medicines. The limiting physical activity is going to be a problem. > I crushed all the pills up together and put them in a bite of tuna, he > wolfed it right down and never knew that it was medicine. He has been so > good to let me cram the lasix down his throat, but he will be happier this > way. He is a wonderful cat and we love him dearly and hope that we will be > able to keep him for a long time.
You most certainly will - because you followed your heart and not the defeatism spawned by ignorance.
> Your message was heart lifting and promising because I wasn't given much > hope from the locals. > I will visit back when I get my computer back.
Visit? I hope you'll be a permanent resident rather than a visitor! Your experience is a testament to the power of love and dedication - and Spot's is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the cat!
We'll leave a light on for you!
My very best wishes for you and Spot!
Phil. -- "How long does a cat stretch? From one end of my life to the other" Feline Healthcare - http://maxshouse.com
> > I've thought about you and Spot often, not hearing from you, I feared > > the worst. I'm very much relieved.
> > The reports could have been more detailed, however, usually when the > > echos are so brief, its a very good sign. The medications that were > > prescribed are those of choice for HCM, and should (probably will) > > keep Spot's condition under control. Be sure you do not miss *any* > > doses, otherwise Spot's condition can deteriorate.
> > This may sound strange, but these results are good news! You caught > > it IN TIME! You have certainly saved Spot's life! The main reason > > why so many cats die from HCM is because its usually discovered too > > late and was left untreated for too long. I know, personally, of > > several cats that were diagnosed with HCM at Spot's age, and a few > > just a little older, who are doing just fine today - and they were > > diagnosed with HCM 6+ years ago!
> > The only advice I can offer is to avoid stressful situations and limit > > his physical activities. As far as pilling Spot, put the pills in a > > treat (small piece of roast beef or turkey), make up three treats > > total. Give Spot the first treat (without the pills) but let him see > > you holding the second treat (with the pills). He should chomp down > > the first treat in a hurry to get the second treat (with the pills). > > As you're giving him the second treat, let him see you holding the > > third treat (without the pills). He should chomp down the second treat > > (with the pills) in a hurry to get the third treat. Then give him the > > third treat to mask any taste of the pills in the second treat. This > > little trick has worked for me for 30 years! Never failed. Its *very* > > important that he does not miss any medications.
> > Spot will be just fine! You saved his life by catching and treating it > > in time!
> > Thank you so much for the update!
> > My very best wishes,
> > Phil. > > -- > > "How long does a cat stretch? > > From one end of my life to the other" > > Feline Healthcare - http://maxshouse.com
> > jean <j...@nowhere.com> wrote in message > > news:n%Y14.95$417.11028@typ12.nn.bcandid.com... > > > I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. I am > > going to > > > type the report as and a list of the medications that are > > recommended. > > > I would appreciate any input and or additional information as I am > > pretty > > > ignorant in this field. > > > Here is the report: > > > We have evaluated the thoracic radiographs, ECG, and echocardiogram > > on this > > > 2 year old cat with a history of tiring easily. The chest > > readiographs > > > showed cardiomogaly with an increased left atrium. The ECG showed > > tall > > > R-waves suggestive of cardiac enlargement. The echocardiogram did > > reaveal > > > an enlarged left atrium and a thickened left ventricular wall > > consistent > > > with hyperstrophic cardiomyopathy.
> > > Recommendation: > > > 1. Begin Atenolol 25 mg 1 per day > > > 2. Begin Enacard 1mg 1 per day > > > 3. One baby aspirin every 3 days to prevent clots > > > 4. Continue Lasix 12.5 mg 2 per day
> > > end of report. > > > I fear giving all these medications because Spot is very sensitive > > to drugs > > > and his vet seems to be concerned too, but these recommendations > > came from > > > the cardiologist reading the tests.
> > > Unfortunately, my laptop had to go back to compaq for more repairs > > so I set > > > up a temporary account on a friends computer. I will try and check > > back > > > soon. You can email me at j...@hiwaay.net > > > I'm still don't know what to expect. Will he be in pain? Will I be > > able to > > > tell if he is in pain? How long can I expect him to live? etc. > > All I can > > > get from the local vets is, it's a serious condition with no cure. > > > Thanks. > > > Jean
I've been following all of your updates on Spot & I'm relieved to hear that you finally got the correct diagnosis and medicine! Our 8 year old Scottish Fold, Freddy, also has heart disease and we had to find a veterinary cardiologist to do the echocardiogram. I know the anxiety involved in the long car ride to the kitty heart doctors from our experience with Freddy. The thing is, it's worth it to have a cardiologist you trust.
Freddy was diagnosed almost a year ago. She's doing much better than she was a year ago, though the cardiologist did change her meds to try for even better results. Freddy is on Atenolol now, though she started out on Cardizem.
All of my good thoughts go out to you, your family & Spot! Your love for Spot and ability to push on in finding the right doctor have probably saved Spot's life. Hopefully others reading this will be encouraged to help their feline friends like you did! -Sue
> I finally got Spot's echocardiogram and I have the results. I am going to > type the report as and a list of the medications that are recommended. > I would appreciate any input and or additional information as I am pretty > ignorant in this field. > Here is the report: > We have evaluated the thoracic radiographs, ECG, and echocardiogram on this > 2 year old cat with a history of tiring easily. The chest readiographs > showed cardiomogaly with an increased left atrium. The ECG showed tall > R-waves suggestive of cardiac enlargement. The echocardiogram did reaveal > an enlarged left atrium and a thickened left ventricular wall consistent > with hyperstrophic cardiomyopathy.
> Recommendation: > 1. Begin Atenolol 25 mg 1 per day > 2. Begin Enacard 1mg 1 per day > 3. One baby aspirin every 3 days to prevent clots > 4. Continue Lasix 12.5 mg 2 per day
> end of report. > I fear giving all these medications because Spot is very sensitive to drugs > and his vet seems to be concerned too, but these recommendations came from > the cardiologist reading the tests.
> Unfortunately, my laptop had to go back to compaq for more repairs so I set > up a temporary account on a friends computer. I will try and check back > soon. You can email me at j...@hiwaay.net > I'm still don't know what to expect. Will he be in pain? Will I be able to > tell if he is in pain? How long can I expect him to live? etc. All I can > get from the local vets is, it's a serious condition with no cure. > Thanks. > Jean
Jean, that sounds pretty much like what my HCM guy Tigger is taking. After several months you'll probably be able to wean him off the Lasix after his heart has a chance to become more efficient. I currently give Tigger 1/2 tablet of Atenolol (12.5 mg) & 1/4 tablet of Vasotec (an ACE inhibitor) a day, both sections placed in a #4 gelcap. If you wet the gelcap slightly then place on the back of his tongue, the meds slide right down. This is immediately followed by a treat. Tigger actually looks forward to getting his meds.
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