Dear kgeorge, I have a little partner who has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. I'm no vet so I can't be sure, but it sounds to me like that might be what your little beloved has. My Ebony (we call her Ebi)is a 6 yr old female who was diagnosed in March of 1999. We call her our miracle kitty because she is still with us today - and going strong! We very nearly lost her last autumn when she was developing fluid in her lungs. After tapping her chest to drain the fluid (three separate times, poor kitty!) she has really responded to changes in her medications (which she requires now 3 times a day, for the rest of her life. BUT SHE IS WORTH IT!!!) The point is that she is still here and definately loves her life - she runs and leaps and plays like a kitten again. So please don't give up hope.

My vet recently attended a conferance and had an opportunity to meet with feline cardiac specialists and she told me an amazing thing. For some reason, and they don't know why, cats with cardiomyopathy have been surviving and living happy little kitty lives MUCH, MUCH longer than they ever did before! She says that the "experts" are actually pretty puzzled - but pleased.

So take heart! If I have any advise to offer it is that you must be very, very attentive to Sundance's daily moods - any change (decrease of appetite, increased lethergy, anything) might signal the need to adjust medications. Please keep us posted and my love goes out to you both. Good luck.

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love IS unconditional