Hcm And Congestive Heart Failure

[Thevikingchick]

Hi, I'm new and wish I joined under better circumstances. My little Thorin, 2 year old ragdoll (DOB 9/23/15) was diagnosed with CHF and probably HCM on 12/9/17. I'm a little suspicious, but I'm also devastated. He has been a perfectly happy little guy and never displayed any symptoms besides a little heavy breathing once in a while. I've got my specialist visit coming up, but I'm scared.
My general vet was kind of ridiculous, first thought asthma... then FIP... and now this. Thorin had fluid built up in both lungs, but everything else was normal on his panels, and he had had no change in eating, playing, drinking and all the other cat things. He's on Lasix and enalapril and is doing magnificent.
Can HCM or CHF be misdiagnosed? For those that have gone through this can you manage the condition and still expect normal life for your furry friend or am I going to be saying good bye soon?

 

[duckpond]

hi, i don't have an answer to your questions, but if you are not sure about the diagnosis maybe get a second opinion from a different vet? I am sorry for his problems, and i am hoping your Thorin will do well, and be with you for a long time!

 

[laura mae]

In my experience, vets always go with the less serious thing first and try to treat for that. It seems like his heart would have had some sort of irregularity in appearance or rhythm that would have been picked up in the first exam, but I'm no vet and don't have experience with either. The fluid in the lungs are a big sign though. But it sounds like the medications are helping, which is what you want to see for sure.

It's hard to make additional appointments and carry them out, but a 2nd opinion might be worthwhile. If you live close to a university with a vet school, I would recommend that.

 

[babiesmom5]

I am so sorry about your little Thorin. So beautiful and so young to get this diagnosis.
I know you are devastated and I can truly empathize.

This diagnosis may unfortunately be correct in that approximately 30% of Ragdoll cats have a genetic mutation that makes it likely they will develop HCM. A genetic test is available (and many responsible breeders use it), however even Ragdolls that test negative may still develop HCM. Over time, this condition may lead to heart failure and other complications. The good news, however, is that HCM can be successfully managed.

I had a Domestic Shorthair cat years ago who developed HCM. She was under the excellent care of a good Internal Medicine Specialist as well as an excellent Cardiologist.
With proper care and medications, she never developed heart failure, and lived a good quality of life until 20 years old. It was actually her kidneys that gave way, not her heart.

I would recommend you have Thorin evaluated by a good Vet Cardiologist. They are the best one to do the diagnostic tests necessary to evaluate the condition of the heart and can best guide you on prognosis and treatment.

Here's wishing your little Thorin a long and healthy life!

 

[Thevikingchick]

Thank you for wonderful wishes. He has already presented fluid in the lungs, but he's a little fighter. I'm hoping to get him through this accute phase and move into management phase.
I am trying to take joy in every moment he's with him. His breeder is as devastated as I am, both his parents and grandparents tested negative for genetic mutation so this was a shock.

 

[Thevikingchick]

I am so sorry about your little Thorin. So beautiful and so young to get this diagnosis.
I know you are devastated and I can truly empathize

This diagnosis may unfortunately be correct in that approximately 30% of Ragdoll cats have a genetic mutation that makes it likely they will develop HCM. A genetic test is available (and many responsible breeders use it), however even Ragdolls that test negative may still develop HCM. Over time, this condition may lead to heart failure and other complications. The good news, however, is that HCM can be successfully managed.

I had a Domestic Shorthair cat years ago who developed HCM. She was under the excellent care of a good Internal Medicine Specialist as well as an excellent Cardiologist.
With proper care and medications, she never developed heart failure, and lived a good quality of life until 20 years old. It was actually her kidneys that gave way, not her heart.

I would recommend you have Thorin evaluated by a good Vet Cardiologist. They are the best one to do the diagnostic tests necessary to evaluate the condition of the heart and can best guide you on prognosis and treatment.

Here's wishing your little Thorin a long and healthy life!

I think it's just hopeful bargaining the GP vet is wrong. But we have our cardiac appointment set up for 12/30, I'm scared by bringing my sister for support.

 

[babiesmom5]

I think you are being very proactive, which is a good thing! You are being a very good pet parent and I believe you, and your vet will see Thorin through this current crisis.

I am glad you have a cardiac appointment set up soon. This will be very helpful. It is good your sister will accompany you--always good to have a second set of ears.

I believe once you get through this acute phase and get him stabilized, you and Thorin will enjoy many happy years together!

 

[Thevikingchick]

Thanks babiesmom5 the worst part is feeling like I messed up, I failed him.

 

[babiesmom5]

You didn't fail him at all...nor did you mess up. If it is congenital HCM, that is something you had absolutely no control over. Thorin got the best cat mom ever...YOU!

With good care by you, good veterinary care and medication, he will be your best buddy for many, many years!