Cat fainting (syncophy)

[jil05]

Hi,
My 16-17 year old cat Cammy has been having fainting spells (syncophy) off and on for a while. They recently increased and the vet said her heart rate was low. We took her to the cardiologist and she was given a sonogram and ekg.
Tests showed some heart disease but at the time her heart rate was normal. She was given theophylline 2x a day and plavix. Since being on the theophylline she has diarrhea, seems to be breathing faster and is jittery. For a small time she panted.. But she has not fainted and is sleeping more.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Are the side effects okay? I'm wondering whether to only give it to her once a day. Cammy also has kidney disease and I read it should be given with care to cats with kidney disease.
Thanks for any help,
Worried mom

 

[silent meowlook]

I truly think this is a conversation you need to have with your cardiologist. Feline heart disease is extremely complex. You shouldn't change medications without consulting with him first. Unless your cat is having a serious issue, and panting is a serious issue.

Where I work we use Theophylline for asthmatic cats. I haven't seen it used in cats with cardiac disease, but it has been 10 + years since I worked in a vet specialty hospital. Medical information is constantly changing.

Theophylline does have some diuretic properties for cats in heart failure. Where I work now we use Lasix, ( furosemide ) for cats in heart failure among other medications. It is hard on the kidneys. I know Theophylline does increase the blood pressure and that isn't good for the kidneys. Low blood pressure is also bad for the kidneys.

Without knowing exactly what is going on with your cat, anyone that gives you an opinion is basing it on their personal experience with their cat and that cat could have a completely different type of heart disease or different comorbidities.

Panting and the symptoms you have described are serious enough to notify your Veterinarian. Try calling, e-mailing, or even contacting your regular vet, because if they contact the specialist, he will speak to the vet since that is how specialists make their money. From general practice veterinarian referrals.

 

[Meowmee]

I would not use it to be honest. It is a dangerous drug in both people and cats. 2 of my cats had hcm chf and one also had asthma and it was never prescribed. It is also stated to be used with caution in cats with heart disease so if she is panting after taking it that is not a good sign. The drug of choice for a diuretic is lasix for chf cats and a steroid and or albuterol inhaler and prednisolone for asthmatic cats.

 

[di and bob]

Please contact the vet that prescribed it and discuss it with him/her. The adverse reactions you are describing often happen in humans too when starting many different meds and may lessen as the cat's body gets used to it. Sometimes meds are a little overwhelming when first started.

 

[fionasmom]

Jamie sees a cardiologist for his HCM and I agree that you need to bring your concerns to the doctor. Basically tell him/her what you wrote here and if you are still not comfortable, look for another opinion from another specialist if possible. The cardiologist might be under the impression that everything is progressing just fine with no side effects, so you need to voice this to them.

 

[Meowmee]

I want to add something to my comment here. The reason theophylline is dangerous in cats with heart disease and asthma as well is because it is avlong acting beta agonist and it can increase the heart rate. Albuterol is the safer choice if it is being used to open airways because it is short acting. Theophylline is not used very much in people anymore. A family member also had a very bad reaction to it. For my Sybil, she was on albuterol and steroid inhalers after she was diagnosed hcm chf, but the cardiologist said to stop them because it was dangerous to her heart. She had been on a steroid inhaler in the past for asthma as well as prednisilone.

Of course you should ask your cat’s dvm about this and report to them that she is panting after being on theophylline. I am not suggesting you stop the medication, but I do want to add my input here that I do not feel it is safe. I am not sure what other drugs can be used for fainting, if that is the reason it was rxd for your kitty.

 

[jil05]

Thank you for all your replies. I did call the vet that prescribed the meds but they would not help over the phone but told me to bring her to hospital if she gets worse. She stayed the same so I will be bringing her to regular vet tomorrow. Just so unnerving to see her breathe faster than normal. She did not pant again after that one time. Its hard because I think her slow heartbeat is not steady...that it just happens every once in a while. If its up to me I think that I will not continue this medicine.
Thank you all again. I Very much appreciate your help.

 

[fionasmom]

Please let us know what they tell you.

 

[jil05]

Just realized tomorrow's Sunday. I meant Monday. Ugh...more wait. I will definitely keep you posted.

 

[silent meowlook]

Did the cardiologist check her blood pressure? What a jerk to not answer questions over the phone. I mean, he did recently examine her and prescribe the meds in question

 

[Meowmee]

Thank you for all your replies. I did call the vet that prescribed the meds but they would not help over the phone but told me to bring her to hospital if she gets worse. She stayed the same so I will be bringing her to regular vet tomorrow. Just so unnerving to see her breathe faster than normal. She did not pant again after that one time. Its hard because I think her slow heartbeat is not steady...that it just happens every once in a while. If its up to me I think that I will not continue this medicine.
Thank you all again. I Very much appreciate your help.

I would find a new cardiologist or im who specializes in it. There are very few real dvm cardiologists, most are im specializing in that field. Heart disease is very difficult to manage and you need someone who will talk to you on the phone as well as seeing kitty in person.

 

[aleeming]

I have severe asthma and have been on theophylline and I can tell you it is NOT a fun medication. I would second what everyone is saying and get to a cardiologist if you can.

I have had a DOG with cardiac issues on lasix and it helped a lot. So that is something to check on.