Congestive Heart Failure

[amanda2001]

Our 8 year old boy has just been diagnosed with congestive heart failure today, aged 8. We are in shock just now. Vet has given us medication, one diuretic (he has fluid in his tummy - which prompted the vet visit in the first place) and one to help his heart beat. Has anyone been in this situation? A lot of what the vet told me didn't go in, and thankfully we are back at the vets in two days time when we've had a chance to digest what we've been told. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thank you.

I should add that Milo is still eating, mooching about his usual haunts, playing with mice. Outwardly he still has a lust for life.

[Marla]

I'm really sorry to hear about Milo's diagnosis. It's great that he's still himself, eating and enjoying life, and they can offer treatment. I don't know anything about this condition, but I'm sure others on here will.

[Crewella]

I'm afraid I've no experience of this either, but it has to be a good sign that he seems OK in himself, and at least you have a diagnosis and he's getting treatment. How's he doing?

[amanda2001]

Hi, thanks for your replies. Milo is doing okay, thankfully he is taking his meds very well. Twice a day, two pills. He is still speaking to me so far even though I know he doesn't enjoy the taking pills bit but has been very tolerant. Vet at the weekend said he had lost almost a kilogram in weight which was fluid so the diuretics are working. He looks happier in himself, breathing is better and he was seen playing with our one year old Maine Coon yesterday so that made the decision for me to keep going with his medication and see how he is. I asked the vet on Saturday what his realistic prospects were and she said the lady who scanned him last week said his heart is in a bad way, and so we could be looking at months, which was better than the weeks we were told when he was initially diagnosed. Day at a time at the moment. He gets lots of cuddles, food when he wants (still has good appetite), that's all we can do. We go on holiday in October and I am worried, but am going to speak to a local mobile vet nurse about giving his meds while we are away. It's still very upsetting to think his time is limited, but I want him to enjoy what time he has. We have a big garden and he enjoys mooching about - long may it last!

[Crewella]

I'm glad he's taking his meds OK and showing an improvement - you're obviously taking good care of him. xx

[amanda2001]

Milo still going strong so far, touch wood! Had his check up today and his fluid is stable, weight is up a fraction. But he tolerates his meds (2 pills in the morning, 3 at night) very well, such a good boy. Looking at him you wouldn't know anything is wrong - he eats (lots!) mooches about, sleeps (a bit more I would say) but still has a general interest in life. This morning he ran up the stairs and jumped on our bed, flopped over for a tummy rub and was weaving the air with his paws, purring away. I don't know how long we'll have him for, but as long as I can keep him happy then we'll keep going.

Does anyone have any experience of this type of illness? Would be good to hear from people who have lived through this.

Thanks
Amanda (and Milo!)

[bobbys girl]

Nice to hear that Milo is doing so well. Long may it continue.

[Kay]

you might like to check out Yahoo groups Amanda - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/search?que ... t%20feline" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

from my own experience I know you can find some very knowledgeable and helpful people on these Yahoo groups, and through them you can get the opinions of specialist vets on feline heart disease for free

[Hopsandpurrs]

you might like to check out Yahoo groups Amanda - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/search?que ... t%20feline" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

from my own experience I know you can find some very knowledgeable and helpful people on these Yahoo groups, and through them you can get the opinions of specialist vets on feline heart disease for free

Thank you for posting this.