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Original poster

Harry's Results

303 replies

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 19/02/2018 16:13

I've just had the results of Harry's blood test for his heart and it's not good. His proBNP level is 344 and anything over 270 is classed as serious heart disease. I'm sitting at my desk at work in tears as I don't know what to do. As far as I can see I've got three options:

  1. Get a second opinion
  2. Have him referred for tests to see how serious it is and decide on treatment
  3. Leave him be.

Please don't flame me but I'm leaning towards option 3. He's 13 years old, has been through more sedations, tests and operations than I care to remember over the last two years and is absolutely find in himself. He's eating, drinking and playing, doesn't get out of breath and, if he hasn't got long, I want him to be happy in that time, not in and out of vets all the time.

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Toddlerteaplease · 21/02/2018 18:19

*x rays

Weedsnseeds1 · 21/02/2018 19:15

I like the sound of x-rays. I imagine them to be a rodent version of ninja turtles toddler Smile

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 21/02/2018 19:17

I’m hoping that he’ll stay limp enough to allow them to do it without sedation but knowing him he’ll start to move when they go out of the room. I’d be happy to stay with him when they do the x ray but I doubt they’d allow it.

I’ll have to have a little chat with him before he goes!

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Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 21/02/2018 19:18

I imagined Fatty catching and dispatching the local rat population!

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Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2018 01:24

GrinGrin If she ever did that I'd rehome her!! Fortunately the chances of that happening are nil! She couldn't catch a cold.

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 11:36

I was feeling much more positive until my friend told me I need to decide what I want to do if Harry dies while I am on holiday in May, do I want to know, will the vet keep him so I can see him?

Of course I know it could happen whether he's got any problems or not but I really don't want to be thinking about it at the moment! I'm back to feeling crap again Sad

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Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2018 13:48

It's really difficult to keep positive, I know. I am booking cattery stays for the summer and wondering if I can get a refund if darling Fatty is not here. But then I look at her and remind myself that she's still the exact same cat she was in November. And things are better because she's on treatment.

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 14:04

Of course they will both be here, you think either of them will let the insurance companies off that lightly?! Seriously, it's horrible to think about isn't it?

I keep telling myself that Harry is no different to what he was this time last week before his trip to the vet and in a couple of weeks we'll know more and, if he needs treatment, we'll deal with it then.

MIL used to say 'a creaking gate hangs longest', meaning sick people often outlive apparently healthy people, and I'm keeping everything crossed that it's the case for our three.

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Weedsnseeds1 · 22/02/2018 15:12

I'd try not to dwell on it. It's only a few weeks away and at the moment he's not exhibiting any outwards signs of being at death's door.
You could ask the vet at the appointment, just so you have the answer. I would assume they have access to facilities, but don't really know.
I'm hesitant to give the next bit if advice in case I upset anyone ( I don't mean to, but have a fairly practical approach to some things, which have occasionally been seen as a little callous).
When old girl got to about 17 the cat sitter was under instruction to bag here and pop her in the freezer if she found her dead or she had to be PTS while I was away.
I had a spot picked out in the garden where I wanted to bury her and a tree that needed moving.....
As it happened, I was here when the time came and took her to the vets myself. It was over three years before I ended up moving the tree and she is now buried under it, with snowy white medlar blossom over her every spring.

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 15:28

I'm not upset Weeds, in fact DH and I had the same conversation earlier! He told me to tell the cat sitter to pop him in the freezer with the frozen peas but to let us know so we don't get a shock! Obviously neither of us find it funny but we had to find something to laugh at.

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Weedsnseeds1 · 22/02/2018 15:43

Glad I didn't offend youSmile

Fluffycloudland77 · 22/02/2018 15:53

We have actually done the freezer thing, twice. Dh takes it as irrefutable proof I am mad but how else do you store pets at that time?.

I'd be doing the same as you. Your mum was right, I visit care homes and it's always the healthy ones who pass before the others.

Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2018 16:04

I think the vets will 'store' them for you. I was chatting to the owner of the rescue they cane from and she's had several cats with heart disease and no dog them have died from that. Totally right about not letting the insurance companies off lightly!

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 16:21

it's always the healthy ones who pass before the others.

This is so true. MIL is 99, blind, deaf, completely bedridden and wants to die but is still going strong. My DM was in reasonable health up until the beginning of last year but she went downhill from May and died in September.

We had the conversation about Harry and the frozen peas out of his earshot so I definitely won't mention this to him!

I hope no one thinks I find any of this funny, it's breaking my heart thinking he might be seriously ill. I love every part of the bad tempered, gummy, furry little bugger.

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Toddlerteaplease · 22/02/2018 19:19

You forgot to add, very handsome and utterly gorgeous!

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 19:36

Oh I did didn’t I? Here’s the proof!

Harry's Results
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cozietoesie · 22/02/2018 19:56

Gorgeous lad. Smile

Weedsnseeds1 · 22/02/2018 20:34

His markings lend a natural smugness to his expression, so fitting for a cat!
He really is a handsome boy Smile

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 21:40

We call him pompous!

Harry's Results
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Vinorosso74 · 22/02/2018 21:53

He is lovely. His fur looks very similar to our young lad-is it very soft?

cozietoesie · 22/02/2018 21:56

I don't care what you all say - I think he has a kind face. Smile

Fluffycloudland77 · 22/02/2018 22:00

He knows his worth Wink

Original poster
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 22/02/2018 22:05

Harry says he loves you forever cozie! I think that’s a good description of him though. Hes actually got quite a soft look and his face changed shape when he lost his teeth, it became narrower and softer.

Vino his fur is very soft and silky, I want to know what he uses as it’s in better condition than my hair! As I’m majorly clutching at straws at the moment I keep telling myself that the fact his coat is in good condition must be a good sign.

God I never expected to love him this much when we adopted him.

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Vinorosso74 · 22/02/2018 22:41

It is hard not to dwell on things-I did with our old girl. He is a lucky, well loved cat (like a lot of Litter Tray kitties) just such a shame he has all these problems.

cozietoesie · 22/02/2018 22:48

Seniorboy had a serious heart murmur from when he was about 17. By the time he was 20, the vet said she could no longer hear one side of his heart. (The family youngsters were at first nonplussed but then phlegmatic. ' Oh Well - if it works for him.' Grin)

Which it did. When he finally went, at 22.3, there was no apparent heart issue to consider.