Jamie, who is 4, had an echocardiogram yesterday which showed moderate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and tachycardia. The doctor prescribed Atenolol and Plavix. He has been having issues with high BUN readings for about 2 years and his last renal index indicated kidney failure within two years. Given that his doctor ordered this recent test, I assume that there is a connection between the kidneys and the heart, some of which I understand, some of which is still not clear to me. Jamie exhibits no external signs of any distress. I have been reading past posts on TCS, so if you posted about this condition within that last two years, I have read your response....just to save people from starting their stories all over again.
As of today, I have not started the meds as I have to get the Plavix at a human pharmacy. Jamie is not one to be fussed with so my first attempt will be to hide the pills in something that he will eat. The 1/4 of the Atenolol is very tiny and might not be a problem, but I understand that the Plavix is bitter. Fortunately, I have tons of various sizes of gelatine capsules which I use for the dog and can start by putting it in one of those and then disguising it in food. When that fails, I have found that Wedgewood does have transdermal compounds of both meds for cats.
I will speak to his personal vet today; it was the practice owner who called yesterday to give me the results as Jamie's vet was off. Another echo is recommended in 6 months but I want to find out if I should be taking him to a veterinary cardiologist in the meantime. I did have a cat years ago who had dilated cardiomyopathy although that vet was quite relaxed about the situation....like wait and watch. The cat dropped dead at my feet with no warning, something I would like to avoid this time around. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
As of today, I have not started the meds as I have to get the Plavix at a human pharmacy. Jamie is not one to be fussed with so my first attempt will be to hide the pills in something that he will eat. The 1/4 of the Atenolol is very tiny and might not be a problem, but I understand that the Plavix is bitter. Fortunately, I have tons of various sizes of gelatine capsules which I use for the dog and can start by putting it in one of those and then disguising it in food. When that fails, I have found that Wedgewood does have transdermal compounds of both meds for cats.
I will speak to his personal vet today; it was the practice owner who called yesterday to give me the results as Jamie's vet was off. Another echo is recommended in 6 months but I want to find out if I should be taking him to a veterinary cardiologist in the meantime. I did have a cat years ago who had dilated cardiomyopathy although that vet was quite relaxed about the situation....like wait and watch. The cat dropped dead at my feet with no warning, something I would like to avoid this time around. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.