I think Ivy is going back to his breeder or original owner.

**kuhio98** · 07-12-2007, 02:12 PM

What is an OG?

Pepper has a SIX heart murmur. No medication will help. She is going strong 4 years after we adopted her. She's never been sick a day in her life -- except as a reaction to her vaccinations.

**buttercup132** · 07-12-2007, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by kuhio98

What is an OG?

Pepper has a SIX heart murmur. No medication will help. She is going strong 4 years after we adopted her. She's never been sick a day in her life -- except as a reaction to her vaccinations.

The Original owner I don't know why I put OG it doesn't make much sense.
What did your vet say to do about Pepper's murrmor?
Ivy also has problems breathing and coughs alot because of it. There are different things that can be wrong with the heart with each grade. Some can be a lower grade but still be bad.

**kuhio98** · 07-12-2007, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by buttercup132

What did your vet say to do about Pepper's murrmor?
Ivy also has problems breathing and coughs alot because of it. There are different things that can be wrong with the heart with each grade. Some can be a lower grade but still be bad.

Back in 2002, the vet listened to her heart. He shook his head. Said it was the worst heart murmur he had ever heard. On the scale of 1 to 6, it is a 6. No medication will help. No treatment -- they don't do kitty heart transplants. He told us to just take her home and love her. That she might not have a long life, but she could have a good life.

Pepper is only 6 pounds. The vet said her small size is easier on her heart. Pepper runs and plays but takes frequent naps (don't all cats?) She is like a little kid. You know how they play, play, play and then collapse and sleep deeply? You can see that she breathes very rapidly but she's never had problems breathing. She doesn't cough at all.

It sounds like she's been very lucky so far. Even though it is a bad murmur, she doesn't have the symptoms that Ivy has.

**carole** · 07-12-2007, 02:52 PM

What a dilemma for you, I really donot envey your decision making ahead of you, only you and you alone can make the call, and i am sure you will do what is best for Ivy and you.

My older cat Ash has a heart murmur, i am not sure of the grade, but it is considered low, and he is fine, he sleeps more and tends to sneeze a lot,and has a few unwell days, but we are not sure if that is due to the problem or not, in general he is a healthy old boy for his age,despite the usual age related problems.

Good luck and i hope all works out well for you.

**jenluckenbach** · 07-12-2007, 03:35 PM

Gee, I don't know what to say except to agree with WolfLady. Both Willow AND Fern have a grade 3 heart murmur and have NEVER been on any medication nor ever had any tests. I am just to watch for signs such as labored breathing etc. But they have never been sick in their lives (Fern is 11 and Willow is 7).

**buttercup132** · 07-12-2007, 03:38 PM

See that's the thing though. Some of you are saying your cats have them but don't show any signs. Ivy dose, I even posted a video of what he sounds like. He has troubles breathing and he coughs alot.