Greetings all. I want to share my story because I've learned something and maybe can share it so this can possibly be avoided, or at least watched for with others...and take great care in making sure any sick kitties adopted are completely well before interacting with the already existing kitties of the home.
I have posted recently about concerns my five year old cat, Max, was not recovering quickly enough from what my vet diagnosed as fever and baceterial infection - from what and how, not sure. He has always been healthy, until recently. Actually, until I adopted Odell.
Max was treated with antibiotics over Christmas, but just wasn't himself. He was very sick, and didn't show much improvement, though his fever went away. I took him to the vet last week to make sure the fever was gone, and he heard a heart murmur, and suggested that Max see a cardiologist to check that out. I had to arrange my finances, and was hoping Max would continue to perk up without having to go see the cardiologist and do the ultrasound, but last night he jumped up to his food bowl and basically fainted, then was very stumbly for a while, but recovered. I called the specialist first thing this morning and he could see him this afternoon.
Long story short, after careful review of Max's records, a thorough exam and an ultra sound of his heart, the diagnosis is Heart Disease with features of HCM and Endomyocarditis. His theory is that when I got my new kitten from the humane society in early October and that kitten came with a URI, even though kitten was treated, and kept separate from max for three weeks, Max contracted a severe URI from Odell the kitten in early November--( and was treated). The specialist thinks this viral infection, combined with the stress of the new kitten and an update on his shots right before kitten came home basically damaged his heart.
OMG. I got the kitten FOR Max, and instead, it has ended up damaging Max.
We lost our fourteen year old kitty buddy, Ike, in Sept, and I was worried about Max being lonely.
The humane society knew Odell was sick when I picked him up, but I had NO idea of the potential disaster it would turn into.
Ok, so - Max is being treated with Atenolol twice a day, and a half baby aspirin every 48 hours. I gave him his meds this afternoon and he fainted again - and the pill giving is NOT a big deal for him (i don't have to force him or anything). He seems better now. I am going to call the doc tomorrow just double check on the possible arrthymia and if that should improve as he gets meds in his system.
The vet said that it is ok for Max and Odell to be together now that "the damage is done". I am going to wait a bit longer and till I feel better about Max.
I will continue to love and care for both Max and Odell, but I cannot stress how disappointed I am that this has happened. Max deserves better.
Please be careful when adopting a cat with any symptoms of URI. I know most people on this board probably know this, but I had NO idea. And i was CAREFUL with introducting them, waiting three full weeks before letting them be together....even for just a little while.
whew. that's my story. I hope that Max responds to the meds. I realize, and the doctor did say, this is a gray area, his situation is a little unusual from what he usually sees, and that may have to make adjustments. He did not give me an idea on how long a life I can expect with Max, and at this point, each additional day is a blessing.
(Any info anybody with a kitty with heart issues can share would be welcoem also...)
Melissa, Max and Odell
I have posted recently about concerns my five year old cat, Max, was not recovering quickly enough from what my vet diagnosed as fever and baceterial infection - from what and how, not sure. He has always been healthy, until recently. Actually, until I adopted Odell.
Max was treated with antibiotics over Christmas, but just wasn't himself. He was very sick, and didn't show much improvement, though his fever went away. I took him to the vet last week to make sure the fever was gone, and he heard a heart murmur, and suggested that Max see a cardiologist to check that out. I had to arrange my finances, and was hoping Max would continue to perk up without having to go see the cardiologist and do the ultrasound, but last night he jumped up to his food bowl and basically fainted, then was very stumbly for a while, but recovered. I called the specialist first thing this morning and he could see him this afternoon.
Long story short, after careful review of Max's records, a thorough exam and an ultra sound of his heart, the diagnosis is Heart Disease with features of HCM and Endomyocarditis. His theory is that when I got my new kitten from the humane society in early October and that kitten came with a URI, even though kitten was treated, and kept separate from max for three weeks, Max contracted a severe URI from Odell the kitten in early November--( and was treated). The specialist thinks this viral infection, combined with the stress of the new kitten and an update on his shots right before kitten came home basically damaged his heart.
OMG. I got the kitten FOR Max, and instead, it has ended up damaging Max.
We lost our fourteen year old kitty buddy, Ike, in Sept, and I was worried about Max being lonely.
The humane society knew Odell was sick when I picked him up, but I had NO idea of the potential disaster it would turn into.
Ok, so - Max is being treated with Atenolol twice a day, and a half baby aspirin every 48 hours. I gave him his meds this afternoon and he fainted again - and the pill giving is NOT a big deal for him (i don't have to force him or anything). He seems better now. I am going to call the doc tomorrow just double check on the possible arrthymia and if that should improve as he gets meds in his system.
The vet said that it is ok for Max and Odell to be together now that "the damage is done". I am going to wait a bit longer and till I feel better about Max.
I will continue to love and care for both Max and Odell, but I cannot stress how disappointed I am that this has happened. Max deserves better.
Please be careful when adopting a cat with any symptoms of URI. I know most people on this board probably know this, but I had NO idea. And i was CAREFUL with introducting them, waiting three full weeks before letting them be together....even for just a little while.
whew. that's my story. I hope that Max responds to the meds. I realize, and the doctor did say, this is a gray area, his situation is a little unusual from what he usually sees, and that may have to make adjustments. He did not give me an idea on how long a life I can expect with Max, and at this point, each additional day is a blessing.
(Any info anybody with a kitty with heart issues can share would be welcoem also...)
Melissa, Max and Odell
