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Stargazer
235466
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 | | Purred: Mon Oct 22, '07 8:07pm PST | |  | |  | | Stumbled on this group while searching around on catster about cardiomyopathy. Seemed like a good group to join, good place for people to be able to share stories, information, support, etc.
Just today I was at the vet for testing for an irregular heartbeat that she had noticed about a week ago when I was in for my annual. I had x-rays, ECG, blood pressure, CBC, etc. The vet said I have significant abnormalities - an enlarged heart, premature ventricular beats, increased t-wave which means the heart tissue isn't getting enough oxygen, and an increased diastolic.
So the vet asked my mom if they could do a echocardiogram - and then they SHAVED my chest to do it!!! They SHAVED me!  My mom says the vet is supposed to call tomorrow with the official results, but the vet (and the vet that my mom worked for, and several vet students) are all pretty certain he has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the ultrasound will just verify it and let them know how bad it is.
I'm feeling fine, except that I have a big bald spot on my side! I've been very active, running and playing - I haven't shown any symptoms except the irregular heartbeat the vet heard, and the test results. My mom is happy that I'm feeling ok, but is very worried about what will happen with me. She's hoping I still have a few years of quality life in front of me. We'll know more when our vet hears back from the cardiac specialist.
Well, I thought I'd introduce myself and tell everyone what was going on with me. Purrs to all of you kitties out there! 
-Stargazer |  |  | |  |
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Davy
Don't mess with- the fuzzy man!
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 | | Purred: Mon Oct 22, '07 8:57pm PST | | | | | | Hi Stargazer! I have an irregular heartbeat too and was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy when I was 3 (I was initially misdiagnosed with kidney disease because my original vet looked only at blood/urine test results and never listened to my heart the correct way - a common problem from what mommy has read online unfortunately - but my current vet is very good). Ever since I was properly diagnosed, I've been on Atelolol and aspirin and I've been doing absolutely great! I get a good checkup yearly, and for the past few years I get a yearly ECG to make sure everything is okay. I'm going for my yearly one in a few weeks, but it looks like everything will be okay. Keep us updated Stargazer and I'm sure you'll be okay too 
Davy | | | | |
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Smokey
I Rule
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| | Purred: Mon Oct 22, '07 9:51pm PST | | | | | | Hi Stargazer, I have been told I have a cardiomyopathy too, from a veterinarian who specializes in small animal cardiology no less. I had an episode of congestive heart failure, where your lungs fill with fluid. This was more than 5 years ago though and I have had no symptoms since then and serial echocardiograms (only one of which I was shaved for) have all been stable. So although I carry this diagnosis and my heart looks a little funny by echo, I have not had any symptoms and my mother does not want to give me any pills because there are no studies which show that these are of any benefit for restrictive cardiomyopathy, which is rarer than dilated cardiomyopathy in cats.
My mom who is a physician for humans, also has some doctor friends who have had their cats in for regular exams, heard "murmurs" and ended up having echocardiograms recommended or else "we can't guarantee that your cat won't drop dead" kind of thing. Sometimes we wonder if this isn't some kind of racket in the only type of medicine that is still fee for service. But perhaps we are just cynical.
Anyway, its always a good idea to get a second opinion before starting on anything as radical as medicine, or else, get serial echocardiograms to see if the condition is progressing.
I take coQ-10 and antioxidants as supplements, and Innova Evo and I feel just fine.
Smokey | | | | |
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Pixie, Rest- in Peace
I love cheeses!
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| | Purred: Tue Oct 23, '07 2:14am PST | | | | | | Hi everycat! I have had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for about 6 years now. I started with a mild case and over the years it has progressed to "extremely severe." I see a cardiologist every 6 months for an echocardiogram, and a regular vet for my everyday care. My current medications are atenolol, enalapril, Lasix and Plavix.
I used to have little seizure-like events, but since I switched from baby aspirin to Plavix I have been doing much better. My cardiologist said that he does not understand why a cat with such severe disease has done so well with the disease! I am 11 years old now. I am not very active, but other than that, I am OK.
It is nice to meet you all.  | | | | |
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Entrechat- Cat
Fiercely- Independent!
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| | Purred: Tue Oct 23, '07 10:01pm PST | | | | | | Hi Everyone,
I am Entrechat. Thanks to Stargazer, I found this Catster group. I have had a heart murmur (focal mitral regurgitation) for many years. 14 months ago I had 2 episodes of congestive heart failure following doses of a steroid for the prevention of rodent ulcers on my lips (eosinonphilic ulcers). At that time I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. I am now taking Diltiazem (Cardizem) daily and doing very well. (No more steroids!) I was also recently treated for hyperthyroidism. I hope that all of you kitties with big hearts are able to control your medical problems.
Purrs to you all,
Entrechat | | | | |
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