Need suggestions

Hi everyone.  I am new to this site.  I joined because I am not sure what to do about my cat.  He is 7.5 years old.   The vets think he has Congestive Heart Failure based on x-rays that show a slightly enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs.   We cannot afford to take him to a specialist.  Our goal is to keep him happy and comfortable and the first vet we saw said she would be ok with us managing his symptoms with medication.   

He has been taking enalapril and furosemide for about a month however last night his breathing became very labored.  He looked alert and would chase an occasional treat across the floor but he has not been eating much the last week or so.  He normally loves to eat all of the time.   We took him to the emergency animal hospital last night.   He did not show the signs of distress that I have read online such as mouth breathing, lethargy or flaring nostrils but his chest cavity moved in a way that indicated breathing was tough.   

The emergency vet kept him over night in an oxygen chamber and increased his meds.  The report today is that he resting comfortably but sounds raspy in the chest and still has a high heart rate.   He also is not wanting to eat or drink for them.  They ran bloodwork which came back normal.  

Does anyone else have experience with this?  I am heartbroken and do not know what to do.  The vet at the animal hospital  is extremely supportive and said we can give him another night in the hospital and do repeat x-rays tomorrow to see if there are improvements or transfer him to a specialty clinic an hour away for testing.  As I mentioned we are not in a financial situation to pursue the specialty testing.  

I previously had a cat with significant health issues who spent a month in the animal hospital and underwent a bunch of testing.   I was able to bring him home eventually but the end result was he needed to be euthanized due to complications.   Our current vet mentioned euthanasia as an option but I am torn because I don't want to give up on him but at that same time I want to consider his quality of life and happiness.  At the same time we are bound by finances.  

If anyone has experience with this and has the time I would truly appreciate your feedback.

Thank you,

Sarah

When something like this happens, I truly think it is up to the cat and the one who loves them to decide what is to be done. Specialty clinics and spending a lot of money on tests almost always boils down to exactly that, spending a lot of money that does little to nothing to change the outcome. Expensive treatments prolong a life that is hurting, if they could guarantee a happy outcome or even an outcome over 50/50, we would pay anything to make it happen, but so many times we go through the expense and excruciating pain of watching a loved one suffer, only prolonging the inevitable and bringing more suffering. My Burt is going through the same thing you are, he has congestive heart failure and is on lasix. He loses weight, loses interest in food and life and then somehow comes back and is full of life again.  He is almost 16 though, so having one so young is especially heartbreaking, my prayers go out to you and your little one. Bring him home and let him spend his days full of sunshine and love. You'll know when the time is near, he will let you know when he is suffering more then living. Tempt him with the best in food, what HE wants to eat. At this point a little of anything is better then nothing. My Burt loves Arby's roast beef, so that is what he gets twice a week.  All your little one really wants is your love. If he is still so congested, he may need his lasix increased or given more often. I 'paste' Burt's to a treat or a piece of bacon with a piece of Pill Pocket and that works well. If he is not in distress, just go on as you are.  Just love that little boy as much as you can, i'll pray for a miracle, or as for I do for my Burt, a peaceful end at home.  I wish only the best for you and your boy, take care.......    

Thank you so much for reaching out and for your sentiments.  I am sorry that you are going through this as well as I know how heart-wrenching it is.   The animal hospital is keeping our kitty overnight again in an oxygen cage.  They will re-xray tomorrow and I am truly hoping for a major recovery.   I will keep you and Burt in my thoughts as well - wishing him a happy and peaceful life.  Thank  you again.