My cat "won" the jackpot of illnesses

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kingmatthewsmom

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Basically, whenever Chloe is in resting mode (sleeping), count the breaths (full inhale/exhale) she takes within 15 seconds, and multiply the breaths by four. "Normal" respiratory is anything between 20-40 bpm.
 

jdollprincess

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I had a cat on lasix who developed low potassium and couldn't lift her head. She looked so pathetic. Her cardiologist switched her to a potassium sparing diuretic called spironolactone. I guess spironlolactone isn't as strong as lasix but it kept my Cali fluid free and she has never had a reoccurrence of chf or low potassium. It might be worth speaking with your vet about trying it.
 
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chloechance

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I got 52, then 54, then when she was fully out l got 40!!
Basically, whenever Chloe is in resting mode (sleeping), count the breaths (full inhale/exhale) she takes within 15 seconds, and multiply the breaths by four. "Normal" respiratory is anything between 20-40 bpm.
Ok l got 40 asleep. Resting she is at 52.

My other cats at 20.
 
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chloechance

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So l know everything l do l should technically ask a vet but l have been researching and l know many humans go against drs advice so l am doing so also. I am taking a homeopathic approach. I found a natural herbal remedy on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045478FM/?tag=&tag=thecatsite

I researched this and seems like its worth a shot. I know its not a cure but maybe it will help her.
 

kingmatthewsmom

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52 BPM at resting sounds a little alarming and may warrant a visit to the Vet. There is an app you can download, called Cardalis. It helps monitor respiratory rates for dogs, but I use it for Matthew. Try keeping track of Chloe's BPM with the app and if you notice that its increasing, you will have to take her to the Vet.
 
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chloechance

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Unfortunately, Chloes next trip to vet is euthanasia. We know there isnt more that we can do for her at this point. She is in congestive heart failure so buildup of fluid is going to get worse.
 

kingmatthewsmom

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I am so sorry to hear this. Hopefully you can find some comfort in knowing that you did everything that you could, and she was very lucky to have you -and vice versa. To make things more comfortable for you and Chloe, you may want to look up Vets in your area that do at-home euthanasia. 

Warm regards,

Matthew's Mom.
 
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chloechance

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Thank you. We did look into it but its quite expensive. We would obviously rather do it that way but vet is a lot more affordable.
I am just enjoying my time w her.
 

kittylove14

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my last cat also died of cancer too found first tumor at 8 died at 12. my heart breaks for you. you will know when it's time. my mom had to be in there when they gave him his injection i couldn't. i'm so sorry for you and your cat. i'll be looking for pics to see what your baby looks like.
 

loopycann

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Dear, I'm so sorry you and Chloe have to go down this road. There are many other ways to lose her and being prepared( as much as you can) to depart ways will be hopefully an experience you won't have to experience ever again. But.... Always a but. But I've learned that part of having a friend that is dependant on you for all that matters sometime takes us where we would rather tread,but tread we must to guarantee they are out of stress,discomfort and pain. There's nothing or no one that can soften the blow of this very emotional decision. Ivejust euthanized my lil black cat and nothing is more painful or important.Please be kind to you as you take care of your lil one.Shes very lucky to have someone who cares as much as you do. My heart goes out to you honey. Blessed be.
 
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chloechance

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Thank you. I feel very blessed to have had 9 years with her.

I experienced having to put a 9 year old cat down and 6 months later lost my other cat tragically. It never gets easy.
 
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chloechance

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I just wanted to update. Chloe is doing amazing! I give her 565 mg of potassium 2x a day. I also give her a water pill 1x a week (both from cvs) and l bought this product on amazon called hawthorne and dandelion. The hawthorne works on heart circulation and the dandelion is a mild diuretic. I give her 10 drops in her wet food 2x a day (thank goodness she loves her wet food). The potassium also helps w her heart.

She eats, plays, and is very normal. I even notice her breathing has decreased slightly. Not sure if its by the grace of God, a miracle of some sorts or Chloe just utilizing her 9 lives. But whatever is going on its working & l am counting my blessings!!!

We celebrated her 9 year adoptiversary on Dec 23. We got 1 more Christmas, 1 more New Years. And hopefully much more time. If l learned anything its follow your heart and do what you got to do.
 
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fodder

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Yay. That's great news 
  I love it when things work out for the better 
 

kittylove14

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thanks for the update. it sounds like you have eased her suffering. always do your research and follow your instincts. they seem to be working!
 

zenseed75

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So happy for you and Chloe. Has your vet ever mentioned spironolactone? My cat had the potassium problem after chf treatment to the point he had severe face twitching. So he is on Lasix and spironolactone for diuretics because the Spiro helps with the potassium issue. What is her breathing rate when asleep now?
 
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chloechance

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Her breathing rate is still above normal. Today l could hear a bit of fluid as she breathed so tonight l will give her a water pill to flush her a bit. I have never heard of it but l think our regime of products is doing good so far. I dont have plans to stress her out w anymore vet visits. I will keep her comfy until its time. I am so thankful she is hanging in and she is happy. This is her today.
 
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zenseed75

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She is such a cutie pie! My Rocky was diagnosed with chf over 4 years ago and he is still chugging along. He gets very stressed on way to vet but to get the right med mix, it was worth it. Now just every 18 months. I was also very lucky to already had him on pet insurance when this all started. I could bave never afforded all the initial visits and cardio work. Glad you found something that works for you and Chloe and that she is hanging in.
 
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chloechance

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Thanks all l know from what the cardiologist said is that Chloes is pretty severe. We cant forget too she still has a growing tumor. I hope to have her as long as possible

Does chf hurt? Like does it cause discomfort? Nothing l read says it does other then the side effects of rapid breathing. She purrs ALL the time. Mostly l think its happy purrs but sometimes l do wonder.
 
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