Michelle and Doodle
Member Since 2009
The vet says he has a heart murmur that has apparently developed within the last month. (tentatively stage 4) He no longer has the energy or strength to play – he wants to – but just can’t.
I have vacillated back and forth on how I want to spend this time with him – whether to share the daily details or to selfishly indulge myself in a very private intimacy...
I imagine and hope that most of you completely understand.
But today I need to share... so I hope it’s okay that I just come barging in with our problems.
At the end of Sept. we quietly celebrated Doodle’s 3 year diagnoses anniversary. He had flirted (as he has a few times) with going OTJ, a week or so prior, but was going through a rough patch with unexplained readings of 300-400, - that rough patch has continued sporadically for the last month.
In addition to his diabetes, Doodle has high blood pressure, kidney disease and hyperaldosteronism - he gets medication and fluids daily to try to manage everything.
I noticed a couple of days ago that his purr had changed and that he seemed to be "snoring". I wasn't too concerned since he was purring so much....but yesterday I thought it sounded more like a congested crackling sound - mild, but noticeable. The vet checked him out today and after talking to her I think it’s better described as a popping sound. She says there is no fluid build up, but what I am hearing is him having more of an effort to breath - the sound likely being his tongue dropping in and out of his throat.
She took blood/and urine for a full workup and is testing for hyperthyroidism in hopes that it will be something we can easily treat. She said she would probably refer us to a cardiologist in Pensacola (board certified) but that she wanted to get his labs back first. His blood pressure is also up to 200 again and the possibility that this is related to his hyperaldosteronism is also an issue.
He’s still being very affectionate and seems to be happy overall, - just very tired.
I’m worried. Please keep us in your thoughts.
I have vacillated back and forth on how I want to spend this time with him – whether to share the daily details or to selfishly indulge myself in a very private intimacy...
I imagine and hope that most of you completely understand.
But today I need to share... so I hope it’s okay that I just come barging in with our problems.
At the end of Sept. we quietly celebrated Doodle’s 3 year diagnoses anniversary. He had flirted (as he has a few times) with going OTJ, a week or so prior, but was going through a rough patch with unexplained readings of 300-400, - that rough patch has continued sporadically for the last month.
In addition to his diabetes, Doodle has high blood pressure, kidney disease and hyperaldosteronism - he gets medication and fluids daily to try to manage everything.
I noticed a couple of days ago that his purr had changed and that he seemed to be "snoring". I wasn't too concerned since he was purring so much....but yesterday I thought it sounded more like a congested crackling sound - mild, but noticeable. The vet checked him out today and after talking to her I think it’s better described as a popping sound. She says there is no fluid build up, but what I am hearing is him having more of an effort to breath - the sound likely being his tongue dropping in and out of his throat.
She took blood/and urine for a full workup and is testing for hyperthyroidism in hopes that it will be something we can easily treat. She said she would probably refer us to a cardiologist in Pensacola (board certified) but that she wanted to get his labs back first. His blood pressure is also up to 200 again and the possibility that this is related to his hyperaldosteronism is also an issue.
He’s still being very affectionate and seems to be happy overall, - just very tired.
I’m worried. Please keep us in your thoughts.
Sending all the good vibes we can. I hope the vet can find something that will help Doodle. He is a very special kitty and you are an extraordinary mom!!!
