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Question

My vet suspected HCM in my cat last year (at 15 months) from a heart murmur, we did an ultrasound and I was told it could be HCM but to wait a year and do another. Yesterday, the ultrasound confirmed HCM, he is almost asymptomatic other than an occasional coughing fit and perhaps a little more lethargic (could be the heat). He is an indoor cat, stress kept to a minimum but he is an anxious cat. He will go on homeopathic anxiety medicine in a couple of days. What do I do now, medicate or not, my vet says medication doesn''t seem to be effective at this point but recommends a trip to a far away cardiologist. I can''t stand the idea of my cat dying at 2. What kind of life span can I expect and what can I do to increase it? Thank you, please help.

Submitted: 630 days and 20 hours ago via PetPlace.

Category: Pet

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

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Optional Information

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Male; Breed: DLH (wht, blue eyes)

Already Tried:
We are only at the diagnostic level (6/27/08), no treatment has been given yet.

Accepted Answer

I am so sorry you are having to go through this with your cat. HCM is a terrible disease because there is no way to know how long a cat will survive with it. Some pass away at a very young age, others live 10 or more years.. Medication can be the key to a longer life, so visiting a cardiologist or a veterinary college for treatment would be a good idea. Many times owners aren't fortunate enough to have a diagnosis for their cat, they will just come home to find their pet deceased with no prior symptoms. Beta blockers and other medications are often effective at preventing blod clots from forming which is what most HCM kitties die from. Saddle thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the hind quarters causes death very quickly and the medications the vet can prescribe can help prevent this. I wish there was a simple answer for your question, but there really isn't. Every cat is different, and life expectencies vary grately.

Expert:	Lori
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	357
Answered:	6/28/2008

Breeder

16 yrs health care mgmt & issues focusing on cats, reproductive issues & multicat environments

630 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you, your answer confirms what I have read so far. I will try to meet with the cardiologist (I'm afraid the hour-long trip -one way- could kill my cat!) and will do whatever possible to save my little guy's life for years to come. First I need to get over the shock of the diagnosis and grim prognosis, I have the weekend for that. If you hear of a breakthrough in HCM treatment, please let me know. Again thank you for your prompt response.

Accepted Answer

Hello again....there is a group of researchers in Washington State University that are working on finding the gene(s) that cause this disease in cats. Mercifully, they have mapped the gene in maine coons and ragdoll cats and finding the gene is the first step in curing the problem. This is one of the diseases I would love to see cured or eliminated in my lifetime - and it is a genetic disease that is dominant - at least in maine coons and ragdolls - one parent must have it or carry the gene for it. Good luck again with your kitty. I would love to hear how things go when you see the specialist.Lori39628.6389927083

Expert:	Lori
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	357
Answered:	6/29/2008

Breeder

16 yrs health care mgmt & issues focusing on cats, reproductive issues & multicat environments

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