Oh no! I hope Karma does well and recovers quickly from this. I'll pray for himm too... I really can't imagine what all this has been like for you! Hoping things level off soon... Hugs,

How crazy that now you have four sick. :(

A common complication of heart disease is cats is a thromboembolism. I don't want to scare you, but do want to encourage you to get your kitty to a cardiologist very quickly. You do not want this to happen. It's incredibly hard to watch.

I'm sorry, Gail. What made you take Karma in last week? Was he having any symptoms or was it time for his regular checkup? I'm sending prayers for Karma, and for this to be the last of this craziness for a long time.

Big hugs,
Bonny

Okay waiting to hear from Dr Jack right now. What is CPT? Also is ultrasound the best practice diagnostic test for heart condition? And is it like liver shunt where in you want someone very experienced in reading ultrasound to do? Why not an echocardiogram for example or a simple Xray to see size of heart? Of course I plan on asking Dr Jack all of this. God help me we will likely be back to VEC.

It was time for his annual. His former vet never said there was anything wrong with his heart or heart rate. He has not had any symptoms that I can see, no panting, he is still sprinting like mad to avoid his nemesis the Razz man; jumping very well, no weight loss, although he was a bit pudgey for a bit, then one month ago I forbade everyone in the house to feed him except me; he doesn't get ppl food at all, only some chicken as treats (which he loves) well actually all the pups love chicken. He weighs 7kilos about 15 lbs which is not actually too big for a Maine Coone, males can go to25-30 lbs. His ribs are easily felt. His eyes are clear, and ears too, teeth still nice and white; although I don't brush them like I do the doggy's. Gums pink and moist. He is a totally indoor cat, except once he escaped during the time of Mom's funeral about 3 yrs ago and was gone for 4days, then miracle of miracles I heard him meowing outside the front window, either he was holed up in someone's garage or someone had him:mad: Because he had lost not a bit of weight and he wasn't dirty or anything. I think he was returned because of all our flyers, and all the vet's office I stuck a pic up in.

Thanks Bonny I'm feeling gobsmacked here.

Oh My I am so sorry that you are dealing with yet another stress. I will pray that Karma is ok and it is nothing serious. You have got to catch a break soon, this just is not fair. No one should have to go through so much all at one time. ((hugs))

Phew what is going on with me in 2011? Are my stars misaligned? I look at my animals and I see active healthy ones. And then something comes back in the blood work or on physical examination. go figure!

Hubby when he heard the message yesterday from Dr Jack just shook his head, wiped his face with his hands and said, you have got to be kidding me! Oh yes I haven't posted this yet; but on the vet visit last Friday, Dr Jack said he had just now received the specialist report from VEC for Zoey, he was not impressed, he was told to start her on Heartguard no mention of Doxy, and that the adulticide was still on back order. It took them three weeks to get the report to Dr Jack!!! :thumbdown:thumbdown:thumbdown

Cardiomyopathy can be congenital in somes lines of Maine Coons. Or it can occur from Hyperthyroidism, or a lack of Taurine in the diet from feeding non-commercial foods. Not sure if this is what he has, but bc of the breed, I felt it was important to mention.

Does he sprint through the house alot and then flop down somewhere to lay for a while? This can be a symptom of saddle thrombosis, and may cause weakness in one or both of the hind legs. Sometimes interpreted as lameness.

I believe the heart is more easily accessible when doing an ultrasound than is the liver, hence the need for an experienced U/S tech when checking for a shunt.
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Update Karma
 

Appt booked with BC cardiologist at VEC for this Thursday.

Correction to my previous post his CPK was high not a CPT and of course ALT was high and only ALT

Thanks KJC I don't feed non commercial food to him. So Taurine should be okay. Hyperthyroidism, well none of the thyroid levels were off on the full blood screen only the CPK and ALT very high.

Umm sprinting through the house a lot? Well he sprints to avoid Razz the terror terrier. I've not noticed flopping down to rest awhile. Weakness in hind legs, maybe. Once or twice I've noticed him miss a jump he usually makes, but then he is usually jumping under stress to avoid one of our pups.

Gayle, wow! I am so sorry you are going through all of this with your furs! Sending prayers and hugs and hope that Karma will be ok, and everything turns out ok with the cardiologist. Hugs and well wishes to you and your furry crew :hug:

Thanks MaryKay

My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers. Soon this madness has to end. Hugs.

Thanks so much

Gail, I am thinking about you and your furkids.... Hope that things start looking up soon....... Prayers and thoughts for ya girl!

I hope your appointment with Karma at the cardiologist goes well tomorrow. I read the following quote yesterday, and it brought what you have been experiencing to mind:

"Adversity merely presents the surface on which we render our souls’ most exacting likeness. It is in the darkest skies that stars are best seen."
Richard Paul Evans

I know how grateful you are for each of your babies, and you are so devoted to their happiness and care. Your love is the thread that holds your family together. I hope you have much health and happiness with them also.