Plavix (blood Thinner) And Nose Bleeds

UnderneathTheStars

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Mousse has been on the plavix (blood thinner), benzapril (for her BP), and atenolol (to lower heart rate) for over two months now. There have been three instances where we had to stop giving the plavix for a day. She takes 1/4 tablet once a day. I hate this medication so much and I'm not sure what to do. It was prescribed by a specialist after having diagnosed her with severe HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). She has a limited lifespan now and the cardiologist said to concentrate on quality of life but I feel like the nosebleeds are inhibiting this.

The first time we skipped a dose was when she started bleeding from the mouth bright red blood. She has gingivitis but cannot have teeth pulled because of the anesthesia. The cardiologist, internal medicine specialist, and dental specialist all agreed it was too risky. Instead, we give painkillers and oral gel as well as 1-TDC every day. It was the weekend and called my regular vet (specialist is 4 hours away) and she said to skip a dose. I got the bleeding under control and skipped that dose. She was fine for awhile after.

Then, she started sneezing blood when she sneezes. She sneezes pretty often because she has chronic rhinitis. We finished a 2 month treatment of azithromycin for mycoplasma bacteria isolated in a nasal swab. It helped a lot and she no longer has yellow gunky nasal secretions. However, her sinuses and nasal passages were damaged because the previous owner never got the problem solved so she will always have some sneezing and congestion. She has always sneezed here and there since I got her but now she bleeds every time. I skipped a dose because of this and the bleeding stopped. Yesterday, I started the medication again. She had a BAD nosebleed. Like, I had to use an icepack to get it to stop. I called my vet and the specialist and they said to skip today's dose which I did and then the specialist said to continue again tomorrow.

The thing is, I'm not sure I'm doing what's in her best interest. I understand that the plavix helps prevent blood clots which can be a major issue with HCM. However, I feel like the nose bleeds she's having are impacting her quality of life. Should I talk to the specialist about discontinuing the plavix? I feel like that would make me an AWFUL cat mom for putting her at more risk for blood clots and it would probably shorten her life more. On the other hand, she'd probably be happier. Sneezing doesn't bother her but when she starts bleeding a lot she gets scared and hides.
 

neely

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Should I talk to the specialist about discontinuing the plavix?
I would definitely suggest talking to the specialist about your concerns regardless of stopping the plavix or not. It's never in the cat's best interest to stop or alter a medication without discussing it with your vet or specialist first. Perhaps he or she can adjust the dose. Also ask if there are any other options for Mousse.
Best of luck, please keep us posted on her progress. :alright:
 

babiesmom5

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My senior girl with HCM was on baby aspirin to prevent blood clots years ago; don't remember the dosage, but she did not have nosebleeds.
Could you perhaps ask your vet about that?
 
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