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Aleta - The Silly Bear Apr 10, 2008

I just returned from my veterinary office.  My Birman, Walker, has developed a heart murmur in the past few months.  Does anyone else's cat or cats have this condition?  What is your experience?  My vet has Walker on the "watch" list now.  Any enlightened information you could give this chickiedoodle would be very helpful.

Bless you bunches!

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

P.S.  I didn't know where to put this topic.  I thought about Bear Hugs but then I really don't need a hug.  At least I don't think I need one, yet.  I just thought maybe someone out there might know a little something about this.

Dilu Apr 10, 2008

I am so sorry Aleta,

But what do you mean by watch list?  Are you concidering agressive treatment? 

People live with heart mumurs just fine.  Does Walker get outside to play or does he play in the house?  Is he heavy?  I would first concider the factors that stress the heart that I can have some control over. like exercise and weight loss.  Of course people take anitibioitics prior to dentle work and such.....do you brush his teeth?  (Just to keep them healthy so that he wont need the abx?)

Such a nice breed, the Birman, I sincerly hope Walker will be spending many more years with you.

gollyhugs

dilu

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorApr 10, 2008

Aleta, google "heart murmur in cats" and you will find more info than you ever wanted.  I can only tell you about my own experience with a heart murmur . . . no big deal, really.  Is your Birman on the elderly side?  It happens frequently in older cats.  Big hugs anyway.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Aleta - The Silly Bear Apr 11, 2008

Hi Dilu and SueAnn!  
No aggressive treatment.  My vet just noticed he has one and said she'd put it on the watch list for his next appointment.  I'm thinking it must be rather benign at this point if we're just going to watch it.  His teeth are nice and healthy and everything else looks tip top.  She asked about his exercise level.  He's the sleepiest of the three cats, yet he plays rough and tumble with Max and Gracie every day and he loves to chase the lazer dot and the weird little ripped to shreds frog toy too.  I'd say his activity level is normal and he eats and drinks just fine.  He just sleeps more. 

I did google search like you suggested.  Went a little further than I needed to read......won't be going down that road......congestive heart failure and all.  ACK!!  Now where did I put those rose colored glasses?  I know better than to take them off!  Walker will be just fine.  Walker will be just fine.  Walker will be just fine.....
   

Thank you girlies!!  You're simply the BEST!!

Warmest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

Daphne Apr 11, 2008

I don't know about cats.... just humans and dogs.... mom ended up having a heart attack, mild, and a stent and is doing just fine. The dog... well... he lived for years with his heart murmor before it took his life. In the end he had little strokes/heart attacks for about 6 mos. before he died at the ripe old age of 14.

So, yes, wear those rose colored glasses! Walker will be just fine for a long time to come! :hug:

Aleta - The Silly Bear Apr 11, 2008

  Thanks, Dee!!   :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Hugs and more hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

aerianna Apr 11, 2008

My tabby, Carson, has a heart murmur. He had an ultrasound a few years ago and they said he has a thickened heart wall and it just needs to be watched. If it gets worse I guess there are some meds they will put him on. It didn't really sound like a big deal. Every year they just listen and say "yep, still there".

I guess I don't really know anything either. 

We missed you at the Nevada City show!!!!! :hug:
Aeri

Donna Apr 11, 2008

Hi Aleta,
I am sure Walker will do just fine.  But I also live in a rose colored world!  If your vet is just watching there is nothing to worry about. 
Bear Hugs,
Donna
Nevada City was not the same without you!

Bumpkin Bears Apr 11, 2008

Dear Aleta, I was told my little girlie girl had a heart murmur just before I was due to bring my cat's on their moving trip from England to Belgium!  Well to say I was worried was to say the least, especially because by then I was in Belgium and they were still back in England staying at my Dad's house (he didn't want them anymore after my Mum passed away).  But she managed the journey fine and since then I have had her regularly checked and the vet's can not even find a murmur anymore and she is in tip top shape.  So I'm sure Walker will be just fine  :hug:

Catherine xx