Smokey the cat, echocardiogram prior to dental.

[bug]

Oh, wow, that's great news! I'm hoping to chip off some more of Pip's tartar myself, but maybe I should look into Zeniquin for her gums as well.

[JustMe]

My vet calls this medication one of the "big guns", so not used unless necessary.  Since Smokey could not tolerate Amoxi-Drops nor clindamycin, this was his choice.

[bug]

Thanks for that. Pip can't undergo anaesthetic because of a previous congestive heart failure episode when she was young, so I have to find other ways to manage her dental issues. I'll ask my vet's opinion when I bring her in for her checkup.

[JustMe]

Update:  On Friday, Smokey suddenly started coughing like she was trying to cough something up and breathing faster than normal and didn't want to eat until late in the day.  This continued all weekend, so I brought her in to see her vet.  She's been eating, but appetite not as good as it normally is.  Chest x-ray showed pulmonary edema and infiltrates and her heart looked small.  Vet gave her Lasix and Theo-Dur.  He doesn't think it is asthma, but is really not sure and is concerned she may have heart problems since we just lost her littermate Twit due to heart disease.   

Her heart rate is good, though, and gums are a nice pink color, not grayish.  We already had her appointment scheduled for ultrasound of her heart, so we hopefully will be able to proceed with that later in the week.  She is home, still breathing a little faster than normal.

Smokey had a rapid breathing episode a couple years ago where she was suspected to have asthma, inflamed bronchioles, but she stopped coughing after vomitting up a circular plastic film from a gallon milk bottle cap.  I keep hoping she will cough something up and this will go away.     She does try to eat plastic bags on occasion.   

She finished her Zeniquin except for the last pill without any problems.

I hate to ask again, but any prayers and positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated.   

[catbird]

Sending all the best to you and Smokey.

[Meowli]

Sending prayers and good thoughts for Smokey.
I have a plastic eater too, so I know how worrisome this habit is.
I hope the vet vet visit goes well and she feels better soon.

Meowli

[bug]

Prayers on the way!

Pip went through something like this when she was four. It still is a mystery but it eventually went away. Any chance that Smokey may have been bitten by a mosquito (heartworm)? I don't know what the likelihood is in your area. An echo might be able to see something if that's the case. Interesting that her heart doesn't seem enlarged -- that would be good. Pip was gagging, like she was trying to get something out of her mouth -- she literally kept pawing at her face as if there was something in her throat. Not sure if it was melamine, heartworm or something else. It all stopped when I changed her food but that may have been a coincidence.

[mainecoonpeg]

Many many prayers coming for Smokey and for you as well, JM.

JM, have you done any construction in your house that may have created fine dust particles?
Maybe even sanding before wall painting?

Any mold around that might be irratating Smokey's breathing?
With all this rain.................

[kittylyda]

Positive thoughts and energy for Smokey.  I hope you get some answers from the ultrasound.

[NedF]

Sending positive thoughts for you and Smokey. I really hope it's something that can be easily treated and Smokey feels better soon.

[petslave]

Oh how scary, my heart goes out to you as I'm sure you're very concerned about her heart.  Prayers to little Smokey that it turns out to be asthma and not heart-related.

[JJ]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers that Smokey turns the corner and gets better. Foxy Lady only likes plastic toys but does not eat them, thankfully. I know what its like to have a 'plastic' lover.

[Mandycat]

Positive thoughts and prayers for Smokey, and {{hugs}} for you, JM.

[catwoods]

{{{Hugs}}}, JM. Many prayers and best wishes going out for Smokey to recover quickly and be free of any serious conditions.

[Fizzy1]

I'll be thinking of Smokey this week, hugs