Congestive Heart Failure Advice

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badams

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One of my civvies (Midi), was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure in June of this year. The vet did not expect him to live out the week, but here he is, still with me, with lasix twice a day and enalapril once a day. He has very labored breathing....but he does okay.

He pees a lot, of course....which is one of the reasons I didn't notice my Samson's excessive output (Samson is in remission now). This morning, cleaning out the 5 litter boxes I have for 3 kitties, there is not anything like the amount of "output" in the litter boxes as usual. If he doesn't start going here pretty soon, I will get him to the vet to see if he's got something going on, but, thought I would just see if anyone has any experience with a little CHF kitty.

He is not diabetic, has not had any renal failure before......just the Heart/CHF problem. Anyone deal with this type of thing? I halfway expect my poor baby to die at any time....and I don't want to keep him going because I love him so. If, for instance, he is starting to have some urinary issues.....would treatment be the wrong thing to do....is that a signal that I should probably let him go. I fear his suffering more than I dread life without him.

Any input would be very much appreciated.
 
Lasix is hard on the kidneys. Can you feel the bladder are to help determine if he is blocked? Also, look arround, he may be urinating in other places. When my Mitten was o Lasix, she had to frequently go to the litter box.
 
I can't give you any advice, but my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry that you are going through this.
Stay strong!!
I will keep you & Midi in my prayers.
:YMHUG: o:-)
 
He's good. He went to the litter box just a moment ago....and a large amount, as normal for him with all that lasix.

Thanks for getting back to me, and for the good thoughts and prayers.
 
I'm sorry your kitty is sick with this. How old is your kitty?

Controlling CHF with the lasix to get rid of the excess fluid and enalapril - many of these cats can do ok for a long time. I have a kitty with cardiomyopathy which can cause CHF and we've been treating him for >1year now. He's on Lasix and benazapril (similar to enalapril).

What dose of Lasix is he on? Any plans for an echocardiogram or being followed by a cardiologist? Are his basic labs ok? Potassium level? other electrolytes? Any other health problems? hypertension? Is your vet able to monitor blood pressure? It could be your kitty's heart disease has progressed and he may need an increase in the dose of meds.

I hope some of this helps for a little for you.
 
I lost my dog to CHF under a week ago. Our cardiologist was phenomenal (Dr. Oulette at the University of Montreal vet school) and I would really recommend you see one. I don't know how cat medications are done, but Nike was given three months and she lived 19 amazing months. I would keep a log of resting respiration rates. I would find out the sodium amounts in his food. You may be able to get him to eat one with less sodium.
With CHF you wear out the kidneys, but you treat the one that is causing the crisis. Its a balancing act. I know nothing about feline CHF. The heart medications for my dog kept her alive along with the Canine CHF group on yahoo. I'd really push you to see a board certified cardiologist for him. Sending big hugs.
 
My sugar kitty was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy not long after being dx with diabetes. He is also on benazapril . When he was dx wi heart disease I was scared for days that he'd just die suddenly as my vet said it was quite possible. All I can say to that is take it one day at a time.

The other thing my vet said that was actually helpful was to make a list of activities that you know your cat likes to do. When you come to the point of having to make the horrible decision of what kind of quality of life s/he is experiencing, look at that list and check what s/he is still enjoying. Go from there. It is unimaginably hard and painful to have to consider this kind of thing, but as you know, they rely on us.

You'll make the right decision.
 
Thanks for all the support and encouragement and good information. I'm sorry about you guys having to deal with this disease, also, and very sorry for the lose of the pet to it.

I was writing a long reply giving info and all, and it disappeared, and I don't think I can go through all that again. Anyway, I'm going to try the things you all suggested. And I do thank you very much,
 
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