> 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