My cat was diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure)

hello to all

I am reaching out bec, my dear sweet Chloie, who is 14 and half, has had CHF since October 8, 2013. she is still with me -- I go to a very good cardiologist but was told by first one I went to she would only live for two weeks likely. she is on all the meds but i have noticed the past few days she looks more listless. she still loves going outside but looks weak when she rises from a crouching position and when lowering herself into one.

I read the one lady's account of being so panic stricken that she does not want to leave the house and I can relate. not only that, I live alone so spend hours watching Chloie and don't sleep well. that initial incident was so shocking and scary that I took me a long time to calm down from it and I still am in high alert at times. I have had much more relaxed times too and it's so important bec. the kitty can pick up on that so much.

at the beginning she had to be "tapped (fluid drained form lungs) around once a week or every nine days. she has not had a "tap" in close to four weeks so the congestion seems to be well controlled but she seems weaker and I am told that is the heart itself further deteriorating.

I am wondering if anyone has experience with giving their cat a larger than average amount of pimodbendan? I mean under the supervision of your cardiologist? mine said I can try twice the amount and see what happens but I feel very scared in case it adversely affects her. pimo increases the heart's ability to pump but apparently can do other things to the body.  

thanks

Josie

loving "mom" of Chloie

I don't have any experience with CHF, so I don't have anything to offer other than hugs for you and lots of vibes for Chloie. She sounds like a well-loved cat. I'm sure she appreciates the great care you are giving her.

I also don't have any experience with CHF, but am guessing there are some here who do.  I know we have some members whose cats have been diagnosed with HCM, is that the same thing?  (all I know is that they are both heart related )

Anyway, if her cardiologist suggested it, then I would certainly think it would be okay to do.  Maybe you could start with 1 1/2 a regular dose and work you way up to a double dose?  Did they tell you what to look for if there were to be any adverse reactions?