Harry's Results

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

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.

Well this morning got off to a good start - Harry was sick on the door mat! That’s now in the bin and we’re keeping an eye on him to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’m hoping it’s either just one of those things or the anaesthetic. He’s fine in himself other than being cross the mat has gone so hopefully he’ll be ok. Happy Saturday!

We’re so lucky with his temperament. If he was like George I don’t think he would still be here as we couldn’t have put him through jaw surgery to start with.

This is one of my fears about Boycat. He is still so shy & nervous of anybody except me, and terrified of anything new, that if he needed anything major done I don't know if it would be fair on him to put him through it .

The vet nurse at my parents vet, recognised Mithril's. Meow before she even knew he was in the building!

Harry is an addict! Since we started putting the frusol in his food he’s devouring it in one sitting. I have no idea what will happen if he has to come off it!

wellhone Harry!

*done

How many times has he eaten it now, Pink?

He’s had five doses now.

We do have a problem though, he seems to have a dodgy stomach. He’s fine in himself but we’ve just got back from lunch out to find an unpleasant gift in the litter tray! I’m going to give the vet a call tomorrow morning but hopefully it’s just one of those things and he’ll get used to the meds.

There's a famous quote from a James Bond book.

"Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence. The third time, it's enemy action."

I'd see how he goes for a day or two.

I like that! There was a slight ‘incident’ as well yesterday evening but he was fine over night. He’s been running around today and eaten all before him so he can’t be feeling too bad!

Has he had a 'normal' poo?

Not in the tray but everything in the garden is ‘normal’. The garden is cat proofed so it can only be him. DH went on poo patrol earlier and nothing was out of the ordinary other than it was in holes rather than next to the holes!

Which is a change - for him. (It might be 'stinkier' than normal.) I'd phone the vet tomorrow as you planned.

Nothing was covered though, it was all on display! He’s such a charmer!

I'd still phone - even if for reassurance. I have a feeling that diarrhoea can be a side effect of that med.

I will do. It’s only really been once so I’ll double check with them. I’m not sure whether to give it to him tonight or not or wait until I’ve spoken to the vet.

I was rather proud that at the age of nearly 13 he’s worked out why he digs a hole!

I phoned the vet this morning and they have suggested I feed him boiled chicken or boiled white fish for a couple of days. That won't be happening as I know he won't eat it!

When we picked Harry up on Tuesday I was told he didn't need to go for the scan at the moment, but the vet I spoke to today told me he does and apparently it's on the notes! We were told last week that his heart wasn't as bad as first thought but this morning the vet was talking about heart failure! I'm really unhappy that we're being told different things about something this serious and I'm seriously thinking of changing his vets.

I told the vet this morning that he will only be having the scan providing he doesn't have to have sedation. She said he may have to be sedated, but we'll be taking him straight home if that's the case. I don't think she was overly impressed with that, but that's our decision after seeing the state he was in on Tuesday after light sedation.

Oh no. Is it the same vet who is talking about sedation and heart failure? I wonder if the maybe the notes haven't been updated. Can you speak to the original vet? I agree about the sedation. You're doing what's best for him.

There are now three locum vets involved!

Vet A diagnosed him and explained everything to us and has now left.

Vet B did his x ray last week but didn't actually speak to us, just passed the information on through one of the nurses.

Vet C dispensed his medication and spoke to me on the phone today.

DH was with me last week and we were definitely told that Harry didn't need to go for a scan at the moment. When I spoke to Vet C today, she told me that Vet B had put on the notes that he does. The problem is that Vets B and C work alternate days so never see each other.

I've phoned another practice and we are most probably going to change him to them. They have quite a few vets, at least three specialising in cardiology. They can do echocardiograms on site (I'm not sure if that's what he needs though) and they are much closer to where we live.

If the regular vet hadn't left there's no way we would have changed but I need to do what's best for him. I'm glad you agree about the sedation, I was wondering if I was being unreasonable but I can't put him through that again.

I think I id have just had him scanned from the start. You'd have had answers by now!

Vet A told me that we didn't have to as he was having the X Ray!

Oh and the other thing is Vet C was telling me he needs to be on medication. When I pointed out he's on frusol she said that won't help him so I no no longer know what's going on and I'm losing faith that they know.

Good Lord what a nightmare, they'll need to scan your heart at this rate! Are you able to get any information from the nurses? I would also raise this with the owner of the practise. Maybe try and speak with vet B tomorrow but changing sounds easier.
Our old girl got through a few vets, one left after being there for years, the next went on maternity then luckily we had continuity for the last 18 months and another joined 6 months before she died and was able to step in if regular vet was off.

They sound hopeless. Frankly, I'd be complaining and also ask that you have his full records (including test results) to pass on to the new vet.

Poor Harry. I do hope that it is good news.

The nurses are lovely and they are the ones who told me what was going on and that it wasn't as bad and could be managed with the frusol.

I've managed to find out where his old vet has gone but it's a little bit too far to go. I'm gutted she left and would have definitely followed her if she was closer.