Hi,
My 11 year old cat recently get diagnosed with heart failure.
From talking to my vet, I get a bit of mixed messages. On one hand things sound really bleak. For example, my also was diagnosed with hyperthroidism. I wanted to get the radioactive iodine treatment for the hyperthroidism but my vet pretty much said because of the heart failure, probably don't want to spend the money on the iodine treatment (implying I think that the can't is probably not going to live that long for the iodine treatment to be worthwhile).
I talked to the vet on the phone yesterday and she mentioned on the heart blood test (sorry, I don't know the name of the test) came back high like over 600 but regular is about 100. She did mention about risks of cats with heart failure. One if blot clots that can lead to paralysis on hind legs. But she also mentioned there is medication cats can take with heart failure (not a cure but for managing).
Where things are, on Tuesday my cat is scheduled for an ultrasound to see the extent of the damage to the heart. I try to be but am not hopeful for the results. Also, if the vet mentions about meds to slow down the heat failure, I don't know if that'll be a way to go or to think about letting my cat go. My mind says to not be selfish for myself and let the cat go. But the tought just breaks my heart.
For those who are going or have gone a similar experience, what was it like (good or bad). Did you try to medicate and extend your cat's life? If so, how was that like? Did you have regrets later on or were glad you tried? Or were you at peace (as much as possible) with letting your loved one go?
Thanks in advance.
My 11 year old cat recently get diagnosed with heart failure.
From talking to my vet, I get a bit of mixed messages. On one hand things sound really bleak. For example, my also was diagnosed with hyperthroidism. I wanted to get the radioactive iodine treatment for the hyperthroidism but my vet pretty much said because of the heart failure, probably don't want to spend the money on the iodine treatment (implying I think that the can't is probably not going to live that long for the iodine treatment to be worthwhile).
I talked to the vet on the phone yesterday and she mentioned on the heart blood test (sorry, I don't know the name of the test) came back high like over 600 but regular is about 100. She did mention about risks of cats with heart failure. One if blot clots that can lead to paralysis on hind legs. But she also mentioned there is medication cats can take with heart failure (not a cure but for managing).
Where things are, on Tuesday my cat is scheduled for an ultrasound to see the extent of the damage to the heart. I try to be but am not hopeful for the results. Also, if the vet mentions about meds to slow down the heat failure, I don't know if that'll be a way to go or to think about letting my cat go. My mind says to not be selfish for myself and let the cat go. But the tought just breaks my heart.
For those who are going or have gone a similar experience, what was it like (good or bad). Did you try to medicate and extend your cat's life? If so, how was that like? Did you have regrets later on or were glad you tried? Or were you at peace (as much as possible) with letting your loved one go?
Thanks in advance.
