Heart failure - increased breathing

[ReadsWithCats]

I had posted last week about Thomas. Went to ER on Thanksgiving because he wasn't acting himself, thought we had a healthy guy who was just a bit under the weather. Was told from blood work and XR something with heart. He's only 2.5

Went back two days later with increased breathing. Had fluid in lungs. They did the echo and was told he had start of heart failure and HCM.

He stayed overnight and was on IV lasix and oxygen but stabilized quickly and came home Monday. Fast forward to today. We've had respirations around 30-34 bpm at rest all week. This morning he's around 45. I called the ER vet and they said its up to us. They'd like to see him but as we are an hour away and he doesn't travel well its a toss up.

So torn, not sure what to do.

 

[iPappy]

Hi, I am so sorry you and Thomas are experiencing this. If you're concerned, I would go to the ER vet and see what is going on. They might be able to help you decide what a normal bpm rate is like for him, based on how he would present today.
My ER vet is an hour away, as well. It's frustrating that it's so far, but I try to remember how much worse it would be if they were 2 or even 3 hours away.
I am hoping that he improves.

 

[ReadsWithCats]

We decided to bring him. Just got to the er vet. He's with doc so waiting for an update

 

[ReadsWithCats]

He's on a pain/relaxation med and had xrays. Vet we had today said xrays looked good. No fluid in lungs. They're going to keep him overnight to watch him

 

[iPappy]

He's on a pain/relaxation med and had xrays. Vet we had today said xrays looked good. No fluid in lungs. They're going to keep him overnight to watch him

Peace of mind for all. Do they think any pain or discomfort was causing the slight increase in BPM?