Cat diagnosed with a ventricular arrhythmia

[Cleo'sMom]

So...my cat Cleopatra was recently diagnosed with a ventricular arrhythmia at the young age of 4 years old. The Cardiologist said that it's a mild case, but I'm still very scared for Cleo's health. Cleo also deals has IBD. I am wondering if there are any other cat parents that are going through the same thing as me, and how long has their cat lived/been living with a ventricular arrhythmia.

 

[di and bob]

'Mild' is the operative word. That is good. Now that she is diagnosed, the vet can keep an eye on it and give her meds if necessary. she may eventually need a low-dose blood thinner to prevent clots or other medications. I get my meds in liquid and put them in lickable treats for my cats. this may stay mild, so having it checked would be good, to make sure it stays mild. they can even implant pacemakers now in cats. an electrolyte or thyroid imbalance can give these symptoms too, so make sure that was all checked. My Burt had this and it developed into an enlarged heart. He was 9 years old when he was diagnosed, so I don't know how long he had it, but he was given Lasix to 'thicken' up his blood and lived for 7 years after he was diagnosed. He ended up dying from a stomach tumor. I brought him in when he started coughing pretty regularly, so watch for an increase in that. Your cat may be affected because of genes, but it is good he is a little older. Kittens usually don't have a very good prognosis. I have cats right now with leukemia, and they were diagnosed three years ago. they are 8 and 9 years old this year. so don't think this is an automatic death sentence. Miracles happen!

 

[Cleo'sMom]

'Mild' is the operative word. That is good. Now that she is diagnosed, the vet can keep an eye on it and give her meds if necessary. she may eventually need a low-dose blood thinner to prevent clots or other medications. I get my meds in liquid and put them in lickable treats for my cats. this may stay mild, so having it checked would be good, to make sure it stays mild. they can even implant pacemakers now in cats. an electrolyte or thyroid imbalance can give these symptoms too, so make sure that was all checked. My Burt had this and it developed into an enlarged heart. He was 9 years old when he was diagnosed, so I don't know how long he had it, but he was given Lasix to 'thicken' up his blood and lived for 7 years after he was diagnosed. He ended up dying from a stomach tumor. I brought him in when he started coughing pretty regularly, so watch for an increase in that. Your cat may be affected because of genes, but it is good he is a little older. Kittens usually don't have a very good prognosis. I have cats right now with leukemia, and they were diagnosed three years ago. they are 8 and 9 years old this year. so don't think this is an automatic death sentence. Miracles happen!

I'm sorry for your loss.
Cleo had a full diagnostic check when she went to the internal medicine specialist for her IBD symptoms, so the Cardiologist couldn't find any underlying causes for the arrhythmia. She's on Sotalol right now. I give it to her in liquid form. She has coughed a few times since starting it a few weeks ago.

 

[di and bob]

The medicine should help her to live a more normal life. It may even help her condition to stay mild instead of progressing. Just take it one day at a time and just keep loving that little girl.

 

[fionasmom]

My Jamie was dxed with HCM at about 2 and is now 5. We see a cardiologist and he has been doing well. Try to relax with this or your cat will start to pick up on your energy and it will cause more stress for both of you. Jamie also has kidney disease, which is what triggered the investigation of the heart.