Help: Kitten in Poor Health

Rezak

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The Doctors say my 7 month old kitten has heart and kidney disease. I don't understand? Up until 10 days ago, he was running around my house like a crazy cat with his tail straight up. He showed absolutely no signs of major diseases. That all changed when I took him in for nurturing and vaccinations. I brought him home the next day and he never recovered. After a few day, he started having breathing problems so took him to the hospital where he spent three nights. They treated the fluid in his lungs, and I was told he has mild hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and he would need medicine to slow the progression. We brought him home and his condition worsened over the last few days. He drank water, but would not eat, and he was extremely tired. We took him back to the hospital today and was told he also has kidney disease. I don't get it. How can, what appeared to be a happy, healthy kitten, medically change so drastically after a nurturing procedure and vaccinations? Has anyone else dealt with anything like this?
 

lavishsqualor

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I can't speak as to the kidney disease but the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was most likely inherited from your kitten's parents. This is a condition in which the heart thickens for no reason and therefore the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently. But there is medication that can, as you said, slow the progression. Did they tell you what type of kidney disease he has?
 

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The stress of the surgery on his body probably agitated issues that were already present. Neutering is a very quick and non-invasive procedure so most likely it didn't cause any damage itself. As said, the heart issue is genetic and the kidney might be at this age too. Talk with your vet and develop a solid long term care plan. Once you figure that out your kitten will return to some level of normalcy. A lot of cats live full lives with chronic conditions and the right care.
 

Jcatbird

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I’m so sorry he is having trouble. The heart issue was likely there but just didn’t show up until his system underwent some changes. Having the problem brought to light instead of being hidden, gives you the opportunity to treat him for it. I hope you see improvements quickly. Please do keep us updated. Sending all the love and healing vibes possible. :vibes::redheartpump:
 
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Rezak

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I can't speak as to the kidney disease but the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was most likely inherited from your kitten's parents. This is a condition in which the heart thickens for no reason and therefore the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently. But there is medication that can, as you said, slow the progression. Did they tell you what type of kidney disease he has?
No, we don't know yet. They did blood work today and said his kidney level is off the charts. They are flushing his kidneys as we speak and plan on doing another test soon.
 
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Rezak

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I’m so sorry he is having trouble. The heart issue was likely there but just didn’t show up until his system underwent some changes. Having the problem brought to light instead of being hidden, gives you the opportunity to treat him for it. I hope you see improvements quickly. Please do keep us updated. Sending all the love and healing vibes possible. :vibes::redheartpump:
Thank you!!!! We love him so much and just want him back home.
 
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Rezak

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The stress of the surgery on his body probably agitated issues that were already present. Neutering is a very quick and non-invasive procedure so most likely it didn't cause any damage itself. As said, the heart issue is genetic and the kidney might be at this age too. Talk with your vet and develop a solid long term care plan. Once you figure that out your kitten will return to some level of normalcy. A lot of cats live full lives with chronic conditions and the right care.
Thank you so much... Your comments give us hope.
 

jen

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These issues are underlying. They had nothing to do with the neutering and vaccines directly. Did they do bloodwork before the neutering? I am all for low cost neutering at times, but this is why bloodwork should be done first. He likely was not healthy enough to go under anesthesia in the first place. These issues should have been addressed before hand. 7 months is super young to have these issues. What did the vet say is the next step?
 

lavishsqualor

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These issues are underlying. They had nothing to do with the neutering and vaccines directly. I am all for low cost neutering at times, but this is why bloodwork should be done first. He likely was not healthy enough to go under anesthesia in the first place.
I agree 100%!
 
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Rezak

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These issues are underlying. They had nothing to do with the neutering and vaccines directly. Did they do bloodwork before the neutering? I am all for low cost neutering at times, but this is why bloodwork should be done first. He likely was not healthy enough to go under anesthesia in the first place. These issues should have been addressed before hand. 7 months is super young to have these issues. What did the vet say is the next step?
This is my first pet and I wish someone had told me about getting blood work done first or I had done some research prior to making the appointment. I feel so guilty!!!! The vet recommended euthanasia but said he could be put on medications for both, but each medication would progress the other disease. My heart is broken!!!
 

lavishsqualor

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I'm so very sorry you're going through this, but please don't let it harden you to having a cat! If, God forbid, your boy doesn't make it there are literally thousands of wonderful cats in shelters just waiting for a chance to give love. Of course nothing can replace him but giving a cat who might otherwise be euthanized a home would be a fantastic homage to your little man.

Again, I'm so sorry you and you kitten are going through this. My heart breaks for you both.
 

jen

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No one could have ever known or guessed this as the outcome. This is really random and rare, this poor little one was just dealt a bad hand, and so young for it to come up. It would have come up though, eventually. Most pet owners don't do routine bloodwork in the first place until the pet is older and showing signs of something and then it is too late. Cats are notorious for hiding any sign of being ill. So people think they are fine. I hear this every day at work, "my cat is fine, he acts normal" but that is what they do. Until they feel so lousy and their health issues are so far advanced at that point.

Yes the anesthesia was too much for him, but maybe with proper medication and care it can be managed. Can they refer you to a specialist for more in depth care? If you can do it, financially. I know this is really hard but humane euthanasia is an ok answer if your baby is suffering and treatment is not an option financially. It is hard to say without seeing him and only you and your vet will truly know this. If they think it can be managed (I really don't think it can be treated, but managed for awhile yes) then maybe it is worth looking into.
 
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Rezak

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I'm so very sorry you're going through this, but please don't let it harden you to having a cat! If, God forbid, your boy doesn't make it there are literally thousands of wonderful cats in shelters just waiting for a chance to give love. Of course nothing can replace him but giving a cat who might otherwise be euthanized a home would be a fantastic homage to your little man.

Again, I'm so sorry you and you kitten are going through this. My heart breaks for you both.
Thank you so much for the comforting words. This is really hard and heart breaking.
 
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Rezak

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No one could have ever known or guessed this as the outcome. This is really random and rare, this poor little one was just dealt a bad hand, and so young for it to come up. It would have come up though, eventually. Most pet owners don't do routine bloodwork in the first place until the pet is older and showing signs of something and then it is too late. Cats are notorious for hiding any sign of being ill. So people think they are fine. I hear this every day at work, "my cat is fine, he acts normal" but that is what they do. Until they feel so lousy and their health issues are so far advanced at that point.

Yes the anesthesia was too much for him, but maybe with proper medication and care it can be managed. Can they refer you to a specialist for more in depth care? If you can do it, financially. I know this is really hard but humane euthanasia is an ok answer if your baby is suffering and treatment is not an option financially. It is hard to say without seeing him and only you and your vet will truly know this. If they think it can be managed (I really don't think it can be treated, but managed for awhile yes) then maybe it is worth looking into.
Thank you so much. Harry's system is still being flushed. The hospital is doing it slowly because of his heart. We should know more this evening as they plan on running another test. He is doing good and is alert. Unfortunately, we cannot visit him to give comfort because of the Coronavirus. We are praying he is able to come home on medications to slow the progression. If we get to this point, we plan on taking him to a well and respected veterinarian in our area for additional guidance. Finances are not a factor. We love our little guy and want to smother him with love for as long as we can. He really is a special kitten and brought so much joy into our lives.
 
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