No dental for Tony

[Just-As-Appy]

He had his preanaesthetic blood drawn Tuesday and yesterday the vet's office called to say that his proBNP (I think) was over 500 - should be exhibiting signs of severe cardiomyopathy. He isn't, but apparently he's not a good anaesthetic risk. And of course, I'm leaving today for a week vacation (not a common activity for me!) and now really don't want to leave. I guess I'll have to do some research while I'm away and see if I can figure out what to do with him. I know there are other cardiac kitties on the board - any thoughts welcome.

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

A pro BNP over 95 in cats is indicative of a cardiac problem but does not necessarily mean CHF. There are cardiomyopathies termed Hypertrophic, Dilated and Restrictive also. I would strongly suggest having a board certified cardiologist do an echo, an ekg and bp on Tony and find out just what is happening with his heart. There are so many different and good drugs out there to help a cat but a regular vet is not the way to go. You need a cardiologist for Tony. Hope has the Restrictive and is doing great......dx'd 4 years ago and caught early.

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

This came yesterday from Dr. Jon at www.http://PetPlace.com


Pets can get a variety of heart diseases. They can be born with heart problems (congenital heart disease) or develop heart disease as they age. The problem can be due to one of the heart valves malfunctioning, infections or a problem with the heart muscle itself.

Symptoms will vary depending on the underlying problem - but commonly include:




Slowing down - an inability or lack of desire to exercise
Breathing heavy or being "short of breath" with normal activities
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Many pets will lose weight


For information on a common heart disease, please read - Congestive Heart Failure in Cats .

Several tests can be done to help determine the underling problem. Some of the tests include (click on any of the links to find more information on that topic):



General physical examination with emphasis on stethoscope examination (auscultation) of the heart and lungs
A chest radiograph (X-ray)
Measurement of blood pressure
An electrocardiogram (EKG)
Ultrasound examination of the heart (echocardiogram)

 

[Just-As-Appy]

Thanks very much for providing a start to my research, and maybe a not so dire outcome. He's only 13 - I don't conside that old. Most of my others have made at least 18, and my oldest was 21. He's just a young sprout in my books.

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

Age does not really factor in with heart trouble. There are kittens that are born with congenital heart problems so please don't think because Tony is only 13 his heart is fine. Even an untreated abcess, for example, can cause bacteria to travel to the heart and affect the heart.