Heart murmur and a small hole on one side :(

[mira]

Hello Everyone,
We were about to adopt a wonderful one year old Himalayan cat to join our family of two cats, two birds and a one year old baby boy. But sadly, his owner informed us that he had a heart murmur, and a tiny hole on one side. She said that he had an ultrasound, and is expected to live a normal life without any medication.Still it is a bit scary since we have lost our 12 year old adopted cat to a sudden heart failure last year, and it was very painful for us. I am also worried that he might need expensive health care in the near future. We always do the best for our cats and never put any financial limit to their well being. But we are now new parents and just bought a house, and high vet bills is not something that we are looking forward -of course we cannot now avoid them once the care is needed.
Did anyone have any experience with a cat with similar health problems?
Looking forward to your advises.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I have no experience with something like this, but my suggestion would be to ask your vet about it. The current owner may be telling you what you want to hear just to get rid of the cat, but the vet should have an unbiased opinion and should give you sound advice on the future medical needs for a kitty with this condition.

Good luck and please let us know what happens.

And welcome to PT too!

[Xuxa]

I'm sorry to hear about this unfortunate turn in your plans. I can see why you're concerned, considering the situation with your other cat. It could be tough for your later down the road if you did adopt him, both financially and emotionally . . .

I agree with the previous post about talking to a vet - I'm sure he/she would give you a straightforward opinion. It could be that he has the potential of living a full, healthy life. . . so I definitely think you should seek the "pro's" advice.


Best of luck to you and keep us updated!

[kitten645]

My Jersey (RB) had a heart murmur. He lived to be seven and I believe he died of heart failure but I can't be sure as he passed in the night. The major expense was actually diagnosing his problem. It cost us $900 to have....get this..a catscan! He had additional health problems like allergy to flea bites and chronic broncitis. Those were more expensive to deal with as he was in an oxygen tank several times and took steroids to alleve his breathing. The only thing we were told to do for the murmur was to give him half a St. Joseph's childrens asprin every day. Other than that,the vet told us it wasn't life threatening.
I agree with previous posts and talk to your vet. While I wouldn't say not to adopt this baby, just consider the additional stress and sorrow if something did need expensive vet care. Consider your situation and follow your heart.
Claudia

[mira]

We have exchanged many e-mails with his owner and finally talked on the phone yesterday, and also talked with Armani's vet this afternoon. Also I have consulted my vet. HE IS MOVING IN WITH US His owner will put him on a flight next saturday.
As I understand, his problem is very minor, and they are not even sure if there is a hole or not. It is not clearly visible. It is something we should monitor, and no need to medication.
Well, as Claudia said, I am following my heart. After my previous himmy, Roger had died (I had adopted him when he was 10, and died at 12), I said to my husband that I wanted to have another himmy with a broken heart, and care for him/her. I did not exactly found one with broken heart, but I found one with a tiny mini hole in the hear And I was not even looking for one!
Thank you all for your suggestions, and I will keep you posted.
Bye for now...

[krazyaboutkatz]

Hi Mira. Welcome to Pet Talk. I'm so glad to hear that you've decided to adopt Armani. I'm sure that he'll be just fine but it's also good that you know about his heart murmur so you can inform your vet about it and keep an eye on it.

[luckies4me]

My cat Houdini has the same thing and she is a healthy 6 yer old female right now. She has never had problems (knock on wood) and has no need for meds either. We just have her in every few years to listen to her heart thoroughly, and a few blood panel done.

[CatDad]

I am glad to hear that you will be adopting Armani. I was happy to read that it was a minor issue and one that just has to be monitored.

I have absolutely no value to add in the health part of this as I have not had to deal with a condition like that. I think that as long as your vet knows and can keep an eye on it that all will be fine.

If you can post pictures, we expect them.