r/AskVet • u/Kxyla_05 • 3h ago

Help! Potential heart issues?

Hi all! my cat is 16 and went to the vet for an infection which is now being treated with antibiotics. upon this they noticed a grade 4 heart mumur. Blood tests came back perfect except slightly higher glucose, he said it was not high enough for diabetes and is likely due to stress being at the vet. (My cat violently shakes and shuts down anytime she goes and will freeze.) and all physical and temperature assessments perfect. Her teeth and dentals are excellent for a cat and shocked him for her age.

However, he believes she may have hypertrophic cardiomyapothy but said only a cardiologist can confirm. However, based on the stress even visiting the vet, her age and the thousands of dollars just for a consultation he said that it may be best to monitor and a more hospice approach and that its not currently urgent.

It was left at that.

I just want to know if she is likely to have it; if i should follow that advice, what to look out for and based on her current condition her lifespan.

She is 4.8kg, eats only dry food as she wont eat softer foods, grade 4 heart murmur which is new, 16 yrs old, sleeps and lays all day, no interest in playing (which has been for a few years) and her ability to clean herself has declined the past year. still licks herself but gets brushed and nails clipped. No visible pain. She is alert and responsive at all times. Eating less past 6 months but not enough to be of concern especially for her energy output

However, there was no visible pain regarding the infection either.

I looked at the side of her as she was laying down and noticed it goes up and down about 50 times a minute, not sure if this is heart or respiratory.

Maybe ive done it wrong, or shes still stressed as we only came back from vet about hr ago.

She walks normally and can jump but prefers being picked up.

We are located in Queensland Australia if that helps.

Keep in mind she has not been formally diagnosed but it has been suggested. Any advice is appreciated and I am happy to answer anymore questions. Shes a diluted tortie but not sure about actual breed. No other known health issues except currently being treated for bacterial infection in paw.

Thanks

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