8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337 +2 230 +5 184 +6 132

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Melissa & Tarragon

Melissa & Tarragon

Member Since 2011
Yesterday: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=77924

Barely blue but it still counts! Tarragon is feeling better. Jumping on anything has been causing him to cough. He jumped up fine on the bed a few times last night and even terrorized his sister a little without coughing. Yay! We are heading out to his Echo in a few minutes. It sounds like they will not be sedating him and I will get to be with him while they do it. I will keep you all posted.

Have a great day!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

Melissa,

I just posted on yesterday's condo since I didn't see this one. :smile: I'm so glad he had a good night!!
Will check with you later.

Hugs,
Melanie & Racci
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

Melissa, glad Tarragon had a good night. Terrorizing his little sister! :lol: Thanks on your post. I just saw after I posted, and Mags and Tarragon are twins today and both have Vetty visits.
Lots of good Vetty vines and prayers are being sent your way today for Tarragon. We'll be waiting for an update. Hope you get the results soon.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

Morning Melissa ~O) ~O) ~O) YAY!: a feel good Tarragon report. I am glad that he had a good night - what a relief for all there. Always good when they feel like playing. or terrorizing, the others. Good luck today with the echo. I hope that goes well. I need to have an evaluation done on Mannie too, once all that is currently happening with him is fully resolved.

Pls update when you can. I am glad that you will be able to be with him while they do the procedure. Sending good vetty vines for Mr T!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

Glad to hear Tarragon is feeling better and jumping up without coughing. Hope the echo goes well and nothing serious is found. It is a test, does he get test treats for cooperating? Just a thought. Both of you have a great day!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

paws crossed for a good quick test.

Good that you get to be with him and hold his paw.
Makes it a ton less stressful.

Shadow always climbs inside my shirt when we go to the vet, looking for the only hiding place she can find
in the room.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Glad we got it done. He was a true champ. Tarragon has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is what I feared since he is a Maine Coon. We are waiting now to hear to what degree and where we go from here. Does anyone have any experience on this or med recommendations?
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199

I am SOOO glad to read this report today! What wonderful news that T is terrorizing his sister :lol: !!! Good luck with the echo...it's great that they're going to let you be with him. We're thinking of you :YMHUG: !
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Sending Healing vines to Tarragon--Hoping now that you know what's wrong, it can be treated & he will feel better--Love you both! Hugs & Love from us!!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Answers!
I believe the knowing of what you are dealing with is far far better than not knowing.
Now you will be able to be more proactive and that will help so much.

Good that the test went smoothly and Tarragon gets to be back home, squinting in the sun!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

I would suggest sending a PM to Jess & Earl. Jess is a vet tech who specializes in cardiology. She's very knowledgeable and can provide a great deal of guidance and information.

This is a link describing the condition. They don't discuss treatment to any great degree other than to note that studies on blood thinners are in progress. I'm assuming these would help to prevent blood clots/saddle thrombosis. I want to say that I remember some cats being on ACE inhibitors for blood pressure management. Did your vet check Tarragon's BP?

I'd also suggest posting on Health since there are other vet techs who visit there.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Melissa - I'm sorry it ended up being HCM but yes, there are ones of us here with HCM experience...unfortunately. My ScruffyKitty was dx'd with HCM in January. He takes enalapril 2.5mg twice a day and Lasix as needed. His fluid tends to develop in his abdomen rather than his lungs which is harder to get rid of. He's actually been doing well overall altho' at times his fluid builds up a bit heavy making him uncomfortable. One thing you will need to watch is his fluid intake - you'll find the right balance for him. Scruffy isn't as active as he was before this but he's also about 11-12 years old so is naturally slowing down a bit. I do have trouble keeping his weight up that I had that problem before his problems started - too much Siamese in his mix...

BIG HUG! At least now you KNOW!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Hi Melissa, I just now thought of CD and BigMac may be of help. Glad you got the diagnosis so soon, but sorry Tarragon has it.

ETA See you've gotten some good help. :-D
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Sorry to bump yesterday's condo, but I saw the HCM question. I can't say that I have much experience because I'm still very new at dealing with it, but I have TWO cats with HCM. Treatment will probably depend on how advanced he is and whether he has fluid in his lungs. Common treatment seems to be Lasix (now called Salix) for the fluids, Plavix to help prevent clots, and a blood pressure medication like Enalapril. My Sammy is also on Diltiazem to treat his abnormal heart rhythm. Sammy is pretty much end stage, he went into Congestive Heart Failure in March and they didn't think he would make it through the weekend. It has been almost 6 months and I treasure every day. Mickey was actually diagnosed a few years ago and his disease is just starting to progress. Unfortunately Mickey is semi-feral and can't be medicated, so he has done well for at least 2-3 years with no meds at all. I don't recommend that approach, of course...

The best tip I have been given so far, if Tarragon is on several meds, is to get some empty capsules. I can get all of Sammy's pills into one Size 3 chicken flavored cat capsule from http://www.capsuline.com so I only have to pill him once instead of trying to get 4 pills into him. The Plavix tastes really bad and it was making it too hard to get any of his meds in. Now he can't taste the pill, plus if you put some butter on the capsule it pretty much slides right down. HUGE lifesaver. Maybe see if your vet has some capsules to give you to try, since the minimum order from Capsuline is for 1000! I split my order with a friend. The other tip is if they prescribe Plavix, be sure to get the generic. The generic version is brand new but it will save you a TON of money.

There's a good Yahoo group for HCM. I don't have the link handy but if you go to Yahoo groups and search for Feline Heart you should find it.

((((Melissa))))
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Hi Melissa and Tarragon, good to hear he was a real trooper today at the vetty. I don't have any insight into meds or his condition but there are a few kitties on the feline acro group that are on lasix for fluid buildup and it sounds like its a pretty good drug, if that's what he needs to be on. Does the HCM contribute to his breathing and asthma?

Sending you both hugs and healing vines for Tarragon.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Hi Melissa,

I'm glad you already have a diagnosis but sorry it turned out to be a serious one. At least now you can treat it though. I hope you all have a good day and Tarragon continues to have good numbers and feel good.

Hugs,
Melanie & Racci
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Hi guys .. so glad the echo went well and that you guys are back home! I have very minimal experience with HCM, we found out about it after our little boy cheddar passed on .. I know now there are tests, probably what you had done, to determine if your kitty has it and then you can get meds to help it .. I wish we had known about this condition and the tests that were out there for it .. I'm glad you know he has it now and will be helping him ..
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Good Morning Melissa. I have nothing to offer, except hugs and well wishes, that you get this under control, and Tarragon feels well. cat_pet_icon
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Thank you all.

They did take Tarragon's bp and it was 138/87, which they said was in the normal range. They are going to have a second consult on the echo just to make sure. However, he does have appear to have fluid around his lungs and his heart is somewhat enlarged right now. This has caused his asthma to be worse of course.

They put him on Diltiazim - 7.5 mg three times a day - Tarragon's left ventricle isn't pumping like it should. It is a calcium blocker that prompts the heart muscle to contract, stimulate the natural pacemaker of the heart and influence conduction of current across heart cells. (Thank you wikipedia!). He is also on Furosemide (Lasix) - 6.25 mg twice a day - Tarragon does have some fluid around his lungs right now.

We just got home and Tarragon is resting. Thank you for all your good thoughts!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

(((Melissa))) I am so sorry that you and Tarragon have to deal with this. I have no experience or advice in the area of HCM, but I am sending lots of feel-better vines to (((Tarragon))).
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Melissa, glad Tarragon is home now and resting. Sounds like you have a really good Vet. I was just thinking you sure have learned a lot when I was reading your condo and on his heart. I use Wikipedia, too! Lots of vines and prayers and hugs for you both.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM Question

Tarragon is doing ok. He is pretty worn out and sleeping but no coughing for now. We go back in to the internist on Friday. By that time, they will have the echo read by a second cardiologist and we can talk about a new plan for his heart and asthma. The internist would like a couple of days to research and try to find a good path forward. They are thinking that the prednisolone is not working as well on Tarragon now and are trying to find a different route to take that won't mess with his BGs or IBD or heart now. Oy. We always knew he was special but not this special.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM

I'm so sorry for the diagnosis, but at least now you can get the correct treatment for Tarragon without having to guess. I'm glad he's doing okay now.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM

(((Melissa))) (((Tarragon)))
My Buster (GA) was just in the process of getting diagnosed with HCM when he had a thromboembolism (from saddle thrombus) last year, 2 days before his scheduled ultrasound. Before diagnosis he had started getting strange coughs and he had a heart murmur. Does Tarragon have a heart murmur? I am so glad you have a diagnosis now and something can be done to help Tarragon. As I had heard before and the article Sienne points to, many cats are asymptomatic and HCM is diagnosed after the fact.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM

images
Sorry to hear about the dx, but as others have said now you know and ca start treating it. I hope that the new plan woks for both Mr. T's heart and asthma.

Mr T!!! You went to vetty?? KTSS is on the way! We'll get you all nice and non-vetty smelling in no time! -- Tess

p.s. mannie says now he has a reason to leave wheelie marks in your driveway!
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon AMPS 199 Update - HCM

Melissa,
Part of his coughing is possibly from the fluid on his lungs from HCM rather than his asthma. There's not much difference in the sound or action....the furosemide (lasix) should help with that. Scruffs takes 10mg lasix when needed.

Another BIG HUGE HUG,
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337. Update - HCM

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I feel like I do better at expressing myself with pictures, rather than words. (((hugs)))
You're a good mommy bean, and I admire your attitude and determination to help him.
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337. Update - HCM

I'm sorry for the diagnosis, but now you have an answer and can begin assembling a plan. It sounds like you have a wonderful and thorough team working for you, and I have no doubt you guys will manage this beautifully! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337. Update - HCM

Sorry to hear Tarragon has HCM. No experience with it, your vet sounds great and knowledgeable folks here are already sharing their experiences and info to help you figure out how to proceed. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337 +2 230 Update - HCM

Melissa, this doesn't have anything to do with the heart problem. DD was wondering what litter you use, and if it makes Tarragon cough more.
Her aged kitty has asthma and hyper-t, and high bp. Gracie seems to cough more after using lb, so Susan asked me to ask you, if you use special litter, because of Tarragon's asthma.
Thanks Melissa,
Barb
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337 +2 230 Update - HCM

(((((Melissa))))) well, that's a lousy diagnosis but now you know and there is something you can do to help your guy feel better. Paws crossed here that the meds do their thing.
Liz
 
Re: 8/28 Tarragon PMPS 337 +2 230 Update - HCM

Hi Melissa - sorry for the DX, but at least know you know and can get tarragon on the meds, etc., he needs. Big hug to all there.

Mr T! KTSS is coming! I promise I will leave only small wheelie... see you soon buddy! ~~ Mannie
 
((((Melissa))))

I am also sorry for this dx. HCM can vary from cat to cat. Some are affected quickly, others can live almost a normal length life with minimal progression of the disease when treated with meds. I also recommend the yahoo Feline Heart group...there are some really knowledgable people there who helped us a lot.

Some good supplements for heart health include COQ10 (30 mg bid) and pycnogenol ( 50 mg bid) as well as a high quality fish oil. I would be sure and talk to my vet before adding any supplements but I think they helped our Maxs heart stay strong.

Sending prayers and strong heart vines.
 
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