Signs heart disease is progressing

chloechance

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Anyone who has experienced CHF with cats what signs do l look for that my cats in distress. I know breathing being heavy. But what else.

My cat was diagnosed last week. Giving lasix and sent home...no meds bc we agreed even w meds she doesnt have long. She remarkably seems happy. I just want to be prepared. And want to make sure she doesnt suffer.

Thank you.
 

boney girl dad

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Really sorry to hear this diagnosis

. My kitty, Xena passed 2 weeks ago from a weak, wore out heart. Looking back, it was a gradual change. Less activity and more sleeping. Her breathing got harder and a little faster, but she kept her routine. She ate less and less. That led to some weight loss. It wasn't really until her last week that she seemed to be a heart patient. Even less eating, more drinking, laboring to go to the bathroom, more sleeping, weakness----visibly tired after walking across the room or getting in and out of litter box. All this is so very hard to witness, but there were a few good moments in there. I am so grateful for those moments.  Her last half a day or so, she wanted to be alone in a corner or behind a chair. I know she was uncomfortable, but she seemed to rest easy. Her last week was long and her moment of death was quick.

Give your kitty all the attention you can as this helps keep them calm. Allow her alone time if she wants it. I wish you both the best in the difficult days ahead.
 

Geoffrey

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I am a human physician in internal medicine and cardiology, not a vet, and any advice that I give on a cat should be checked with a veterinarian. However, in humans, and I cannot see why it should be different in other animals, congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with the heart being unable to pump the blood around the body adequately.  This results, in humans, with swollen ankles, congested veins in the neck and shortness of breath on effort and in severe cases, at rest.. 

The only sign that can easily be seen in a cat is shortness of breath.  Increasing weight may be a sign of fluid retention and the cat may sit or lie down after slight effort.  However I do not practice feline medicine and any other signs are really something about which you should ask the vet.

Lasix is a medication that stimulates the kidneys to pass more urine and this relieves the fluid retention, reducing the effort required for the heart to pump blood.  Depending on the cause of the heart failure and  the cardiac symptoms, some times a cardiac stimulant may be prescribed, however Lasix may be all that is necessary.  There is no pain associated with heart failure, however discomfort from the shortness of breath may be present.

The prognosis really depends on the cause of the heart failure and your vet should be able to advise you about this.

With all best wishes to you both,

Geoffrey
 
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chloechance

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Thank you. Chloe's story is a little more complicated. Diagnosed w a rare adrenal tumor. Then diagnosed w heart disease. The good and bad is. The lasix will help but it drains every ounce of potassium that l have to orally put into her body which she needs for muscle function.

Chloe is my hero. Just last week we almost put her down but l wanted to give her time and now she is like the cat that she was even before diagnosis. I know its short lived but l will take it. Chloe will play for a bit then lay down bit no different then my other cat who is younger.
I was told chloe could be put on meds but even w them she has less then a year. I opted for her not being on meds bc of her other situation w the low potassium.

I just dont want her in pain so l am glad to hear that it seems she prob isnt and she doesnt seem to be from the looks of it.

I guess l will just know when it looks like she cant breathe right or loses appetite.

I often wonder if she will go in her sleep or if l will have to take her to be put down. Its so hard to go through w that decision even when you know its whats best.
 
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