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The litter tray

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Original poster

Heart ultrasound for 15 year old cat

36 replies

Sparklingbrook · 28/01/2022 15:40

Took Sparklingcat to the vet today. She has an overactive thyroid which she's on tablets for so she needed a blood test to check dose still ok etc. Been seeing same vet for a few years but they aren't around at the moment so new vet I'd never seen before.

During the once over she got they listened to her heart for ages and said they could detect a slight murmur which could be a sign of
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (never had heart problems before and has no symptoms of heart problems). They have said she needs an ultrasound which costs about £700 (although her insurance might pay if it's not linked to any existing or prediagnosed condition)

The cardiologist works from another vets once a month.

She needs a dental and they wouldn't be keen to do it without the ultrasound in case it's a problem re anaesthetic.

Anyone's cat had this? And if we went ahead and she has HCM what then? I just don't know what to think really.

OP posts:

GodspeedJune · 29/01/2022 18:11

I’ve name changed many times since but I remember your threads about your lovely girl Toddler

It’s a horrible condition, very cruel how it sneaks up without warning. I’m glad she had more quality time with you before you lost her.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 29/01/2022 18:45

Lots to think about. I have had an email discussing the blood test results. They are now also suggesting a liver scan as well. They say they can do the dental and maybe the two scans at the same time now. They think the anaesthetic would be ok as long as she has fluids prior.

The thyroid is stable, which is good news so no change to the meds for that.

OP posts:

Paranoidandroidmarvin · 29/01/2022 19:12

Mine has a heart murmur. Had it all his life. He turns 13 this year. I worry about it. And one day I know it may cause him problems. But for now he is stable and on no meds.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 31/01/2022 18:19

I had the quote come through and to do liver and heart ultrasounds and the dental (minus any extractions) is £770. The scans come to £320.

OP posts:

SanFranBear · 02/02/2022 07:17

That seems like a pretty good deal as it includes the dental work.. mine were about £700 for just the heart scan, analysis and some bloods. Do you think you'll go ahead? Did you manage to speak to her regular vet?

I wish you well, whatever your decision. They are so precious, you never want to do the wrong thing by them but sometimes, it's hard to know what the right thing is

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 02/02/2022 07:55

@SanFranBear

I wish you well, whatever your decision. They are so precious, you never want to do the wrong thing by them but sometimes, it's hard to know what the right thing is

Yes, originally new vet said £600 for the heart scan alone. I feel like I have to go ahead. But I am very apprehensive about all of it. I feel as if they are looking for things. The heart murmur seems to have appeared out of nowhere, and they said it could be stress due to being at the vets. I can't speak to her regular vet sadly, not for a month or so. They want to do the scan/dental next week.

OP posts:

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 02/02/2022 14:11

I was told a few years ago that Harry had heart failure and urgently needed a scan. We had it done and it turned out he has a grade 1 murmur so I have no idea how the idiot vet got that mixed up! I was told a couple of weeks ago that he has a galloping heartbeat, meaning he could have the start of heart failure but we've taken the decision not to have him scanned again for now. He had to be sedated last time and I'm not doing it to him unless it's necessary, especially as he's nearly 17.

If like Sparklingcat he needed a dental it would have been a harder decision to make. Luckily his teeth (or what's left of them!) are OK so it's not an issue at the moment. Can you ask for a second opinion at the same practice @Sparklingbrook? My vets encourage that if you're not happy or have doubts.

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 04/02/2022 11:01

I have had a long chat with the vet. They are going to do the dental (and I totally agree she needs a dental and it would be beneficial) and a liver scan together. While she's under they will listen to her heart.
I think I am ok with that.

OP posts:

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 04/02/2022 11:51

That sounds like a good plan and I'm sure she'll be fine. Harry is older than Sparklingcat with various ailments that he may or may not have and he's been fine when on the numerous occasions when he's had an anaesthetic. Good luck to Sparklingcat

Original poster

Sparklingbrook · 04/02/2022 12:02

Thank you! Love her so much, this is all a worry and a bit of a shock but one step at a time I think.

OP posts:

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/02/2022 22:36

How is she @Sparklingbrook?

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