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??

:confused:

[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 (http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46409&highlight=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.

[wolflady]

Thank you so much everyone! It means a lot to me to have the support of this magical group.

Doctor Harrigan gave us a call early Saturday morning to report that his blood test came out fine, which is good news. He still wants to do the echocardiogram, that smokey the elder mentioned. They are going to call in a specialist, so I'm still waiting to hear back from the hospital to schedule that appointment. Thanks for the tips, Jen. I'll ask about the grade of the heart murmur. Hopefully everything will be ok. I'll be sure to keep you all updated, and thanks again for your kind words, support and prayers. :)

**hugs**
Karen

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, I'm so glad to hear that Marius's blood test was normal. I hope the echocardiogram turns out fine too. Prayers and positive thoughts are still being sent your way. Take care.

[Killearn Kitties]

Keeping my fingers crossed for Marius. I hope the rest of his tests go well.

[wolflady]

Hi everyone. I just got a call from my vet and he was strongly recommending this ultrasound. They will be having a specialist coming into their office to do this just for me, so they are supposed to call me when they get in touch with this other vet. They are going to give this to me at cost, which is really nice. The office really liked me when I worked there and I'm still maintaining their website, so he wanted to give me this price break.

He said that the murmur was a grade 3 out of 6. Jen, what's your take on this?
The doctor said that everything else seemed normal, the lungs were clear, no signs of anemia or anything else from the blood test, so he wants to cover all bases. I'm still really nervous about this because I know my vet wouldn't recommend something that isn't necessary. Especially since he's become sort of a personal friend of mine. I hope it's not anything serious, and if I need to give meds to help Marius out, that's fine with me. The doctor is thinking that it may be some thickening of the heart muscle or some trouble with the valve, so that's what this ultrasound should help identify.

Please send along some prayers for Marius that he's ok.
Thank you:)
**hugs**
Karen

[slick]

Karen: I can't imagine how scary this must be for you. Thanks for the update. Prayers speeding down from Canada.

[wolflady]

Thanks Slick! :D Marius sends along some head bumpies for you;)

**hugs**

[Logan]

Karen, you and Marius will be in my prayers. Keep your chin up and "bump" Marius, gently, for me (and Butter and Mimi too). :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, More prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. I'm so glad to hear that your vet is also going to give you a price break so now you can keep all of your thoughts on Marius instead of on both Marius and the finances. Please take care.:)

[jazzcat]

Prayers on the way for Marius.

[Barbara]

I just read this. I hope they find out that it is just a condition he can live with.

All the best for Marius:)

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh my! How scary for you! I sure hope it's something that can be taken care of with medication. I'm glad to hear all his other vitals are ok. Hopefully the ultrasound will tell you everything you need to know and Marius can be on the mend!

After all, now that Edwina is moving to CA, Marius will need a good strong heart so he can go acourtin'. ;)

{{{hugs}}} to you and skritchies to your sweet boy!

[Vermontcat]

I'm sending more positive thoughts your way for Marius!:)
From what Jen posted earlier in this thread, grade 3 doesn't sound too bad since one of her cats is grade 3 and doesn't even need medication for it.
Hoping for more good news when you get more results.:)
Hugs to you and all of your kitties.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Prayers on the way from me for you and sweet Marius!
My cat kids all have their paws crossed too!

[wolflady]

Thank you everyone. Marius's appointment has been scheduled for this Wednesday (Aug. 4th) at 10:00am, so my husband will be taking him in tomorrow.
I'm assuming they'll need to sedate him, because I doubt he'll lay still for them to do this ultrasound. Should I discontinue his food and H2O after 8pm tonight, just to be on the safe side?

[gini]

Karen, I just now found this thread. Oh, I do know how you feel..........I always worried myself sick over my kids and their various tests.

But with Jen's experience here - let's hope Marius' condition is not life threatening and he can live a long life with you.

You have my prayers and big hugs to you and Aaron for being such great pet owners.

I will be following this thread now for updates and I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Big Hugs from gini

[wolflady]

Thanks Gini! I'm so worried.

**hugs**
Karen

[AmberLee]

Originally posted by wolflady
... Should I discontinue his food and H2O after 8pm tonight, just to be on the safe side?


:confused: :confused: :confused:

Didn't the vet give instructions for him? Why not give a call to ease your mind? Your plans makes sense to me, but maybe the vet has different requirements.

You and Aaron and the chug are in my prayers, you know. The procedure should go smoothly based on all the prayers and crossed paws of Pet Talk.

{{{gentle hugs, dear}}}

[wolflady]

Thanks AmberLee. I'll probably call the doctor tonight just to make sure on the food and water. I know that some animals are docile enough to hold still for ultrasounds and stuff, but cats usually don't :rolleyes:

I will let you all know what happens tomorrow. Thanks again everyone for the support. I hope a little PT miracle can happen for my Marius!
**hugs**
Karen

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by wolflady

I'll probably call the doctor tonight
just to make sure on the food and water.

I hope a little PT miracle can happen for my Marius!

We do Miracles here pretty often! ;)

As for Fasting him (no food or water) from now on -
that can't *hurt* if you don't reach the Vet.

That way if Marius puts up a *Phuss* -
they can sedate him without worry or asking you to come back another day.

*PT Prayers* offered for Marius!!

[wolflady]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke


*PT Prayers* offered for Marius!!

Thank you so much! :)
**hugs**
Karen

[slick]

More coming from me, Max and Speckles. Miracles DO happen.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, More prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. When my RB Pepper went in for an ultrasound he was so good that they didn't need to sedate him but this was probably because he was so sick.
I'll be thinking about Marius tomorrow. Hopefully you'll be able to post some good news about him. Take care.:)

[Killearn Kitties]

I'll be thinking positive thoughts for Marius today. Hope all goes well.

[wolflady]

Thank you everyone. Marius sends headbumpies to all of you. I spoke with the doctor last night and he said not to worry about feeding because they'll most likely not sedate him due to the fact that it affects the heartbeat.

Aaron will be taking him in at 10am...will keep you posted!

**worried**
Karen

[lbaker]

Good luck today Karen (and Marius) I do know how very very special Marius is to you and know, too.. you probably had a rough night. Just now read this thread (still getting caught up after returning from West Coast) but will keep an eye out later for your next report. Trust in the powers of PT'ers strength and support.
Laurie

[wolflady]

Thanks Laurie!

I just called the vet's office at 10:30 and asked if Marius was still there, and they told me that he had already gone home, so right away I called home and Aaron had just walked in.

He said that Marius was a pretty good kitty for the ultrasound. Basically 1 lining of his heart is a little thicker than normal. Aaron also was trying to describe to me (bless his little heart) about these "thumb-like" structures that push blood through the valves(??). One of those was a little larger than the other. So, the combo of these little things add up to the heart murmur. Basically we just need to monitor it because there's not really anything we can do at this point, which is a good thing I hope. We have to re-check in 6 months, so hopefully it won't get any worse!

Please keep Marius in your prayers as we monitor this thing, and pray that it doesn't get worse to the point of requiring treatment.

Thanks for all of your positive thoughts during this stressful time.

Many **hugs**
Karen

Marius sends purrs and headbumpies to you all =^..^=

[gini]

Karen, actually I take all of this as excellent news.

It is difficult to tell how long Marius has had this condition isn't it?

We will all pray that he will continue to be the sweet love of your life for a long time!

Hugs from Gini and the orange gang................

[Killearn Kitties]

Hugs to Marius! This all sounds quite hopeful. We'll still be thinking of you while you keep your eyes peeled over the next six months!

[jenluckenbach]

I think it sounds like something to watch but not worry over........So don't worry!
We love you Marius. :D:D

[catcrazylady]

I don't come over here and check health like I should! I'm so sorry to hear about Marius but I'm also glad that it doesn't really bad at the moment. PT prayers have worked so many miracles and I'm sure they will help Marius. Please add me to the list that are sending prayers your way!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, this is wonderful news!!!:) Hopefully his condition won't get any worse and he'll be able to live a long normal happy life. PT prayers have done it again.:)

[wolflady]

Thank you all so so much :)

I came home tonight and Marius seemed a little upset. I'm going to give him some extra pampering and some fancy feast to cheer him up.
Thank you for the continued prayers and thoughts of my Marius baby!

**hugs**
Karen

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Karen, I'm so glad to hear he's going to be ok. I know it's hard, but like Jen says, don't worry......at least until the vet says it's time to worry. ;) And hopefully that day will never come. ;)

Now, hows about some new updated pictures of the sweet guy? Not to mention the rest of the gang that we haven't seen or heard hide nor hair of for the longest time! ;)

[trayi52]

I don't come to Cat Health enough either! I read something about this at Richards place and thought I should come looking for it here.

Karen, I am so sorry you have had this terrible worry on you all this time. But as I hear you have good news, and well I am so happy to hear that!

Karen, I will keep Marius in my prayers, and send you and Marius some really good thoughts.

Sorry about not seeing this sooner.

Willie:)

[wolflady]

Thank you so much Debbie and trayi52! I'll see you at Thursday's tomorrow morning! ;)

**hugs**

Marius sends along headbumpies and purrs to you both=^..^=

[Foxtee]

Sttamps has a heart murmer also.She has Hypertrophy Cardiomyopathy since she was 2 .She takes her meds every day and is doing fine.She is also all white ,must be something in the genes.She is also deaf ,but we love her to death.Pam and Sttamps.

[Foxtee]

How did the electrocartigram come out?Sttamps has a grade 2 murmer .Pam and Sttamps

[wolflady]

Originally posted by Foxtee
How did the electrocartigram come out?Sttamps has a grade 2 murmer .Pam and Sttamps

Hi Foxtee and welcome to pet talk. Thanks for posting about Sttamps. Is that Sttamps in your signature? She is beautiful!! :)

Marius has a grade 3 heart murmur. There isn't anything we can do at this point, but monitor it, so hopefully it won't get worse. At least we caught it in the early stages. We're supposed to re-check in 6 months.
What sort of meds is Sttamps on?

**hugs**
Karen

P.S. You'll love it here at Pet Talk! ;)