Marius and heart murmur

[wolflady]

I had my husband bring Sergei in for his annual vaccines this afternoon, and I had him bring Marius along because one of his softpaw caps hadn't come off yet and his nail was way overgrown. I figured since Sergei was going in for vaccines anyway, we could have them trim that one overgrown nail for us. I'm ok with cutting Marius' nails usually, but since it was so long I was paranoid about cutting into the quick.
Anyway, I guess the doctor found a heart murmur when he examined Marius. Does anyone have any experience with this or know what that means? My husband left me a message here at work, and said that they were running a blood test, and also recommended some other test that is going to run around $350! I called him back, and I was on the verge of tears because Marius is my baby and I don't want anything to happen to him. Aaron said he was waiting for a call black regarding the blood test, and they had given him some medicine to take home. I told Aaron to just go ahead with whatever test it is that they suggested, so when the doc calls back, he will Ok it.
Now, I'm just worried. Call me a sap, but I'm on the verge of tears about something that I hope is not serious.

Any thoughts??

[kitten645]

Try not to worry I know it's easier said than done.
My Jersey(RB) had a heart murmur. I had to give him half a St Joseph asprin every day. He died at 12 but I think it was due to his overall not so good health (bronchitis, asthma, allergies). They did a catscan (Ironic I know!) and $900 later they told me it was a heart murmur.
I believe someone else here adopted a kitty with a heart murmur as well. Let me see if I can find the link.
It depends on how sever it is but I think that most of the time kitties do just fine with murmurs. I know sometimes they grow out of them. How old is Marius?
Extra skritches for him tonight...he's had a hard day!
Claudia

[kitten645]

Murmur

[zippy-kat]

Oh, Karen! My heart goes out to you and your boy. Here's hoping and praying for good results.

{{hugs}} to ya'll,
zip

[wolflady]

Thank you Claudia and Zip! I sure hope it's not too serious! Thanks for finding that thread. I read through it, so perhaps Marius has something similar? I just hope it doesn't lead into that congestive heart failure. I don't think I could handle losing Marius so soon. I think he's around 7 - 8 years old. It's really hard to say for sure, since he was a "street kitty".

I will update as soon as I find out the results when I get home tonight. All prayers are welcome!

[Cataholic]

Poor Marius! I am not sure, but, I think most heart murmurs are benign. AND, I think they can come and go. Here is hoping that Marius's is 'no big deal'. Prayers on the way.

[Vermontcat]

I hope that Marius doesn't have any serious problem with his heart murmur.
Like Cataholic said, many heart murmurs turn out to be mild.
I sent you a PM about Marius.

[slick]

Oh Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about Marius. All fingers and paws crossed there that it's nothing serious. Please keep us posted and give those furbabies kissies from me.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear that Marius has a heart murmur. Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please keep us updated and take care.

[shais_mom]

Keeping Marius and Mommy in my thoughts and prayers!

[AmberLee]

{{{Karen, Aaron, and all the little furkids, esp. Marius}}}

I know nothing about heart murmurs in cats, but a relative had one and with medicine lead a normal life. Fingers and paws crossed here that you can get more news applicable to your situation and that it's good. I know your precious chug-baby has meant so much to you in trying times.

Please keep us informed.

[jenluckenbach]

Poor Marius....Poor you. {{{HUGS}}}

What you need to do is ask the vet what GRADE murmur did he hear? I am not an expert but 1, 2 or even 3 should not give you any reason to be concerned. It is something you monitor to make sure it does not get worse. 4 or 5 could mean bad news.

Willow has grade 3 heart murmur but he is fine. We have not done any extra test and he doesn't need medication or anything. We just monitor it to make sure it does not get worse.

[Randi]

I'm so sorry to hear that Marius has a heart murmur. I don't know anything about it, but I do hope it's a mild case and he can live a normal life with medication.

Hugs to you and kisses to Marius!

[smokey the elder]

The test is probably an echocardiogram, or a heart ultrasound. Heart murmurs are actually really common; they happen when the little valves in the heart don't close just so. An echo could determine how bad it is. Good luck with your Marius kitty!

[rg_girlca]

Positive thoughts and prayers on the way for your precious Marius and (((((HUGS))))) to you for support.