Blood clot...

Laurie --

I have a 14 year old with multiple health problems, and I am always in the
back of my mind worried about her, so I know how you feel... I've had many
cats over the years, and I've come to realize that death isn't the same for
them as it is for us. Of course we grieve when they are gone, but they have
a different kind of consciousness than we do, and don't fear death the way
that we do, so it's not as scary as it is for us. I think, for a cat, pain
is what they fear, not death. It could be Sade wasn't feeling well before
the clot came on, and that's why she was moping about somewhat. I know of
many cats who have lived over 20 years, especially if they receive good vet
care and care from their owners. If it does in fact turn out that it's
Sade's time to go, please rest assured that it will be much harder on you
than on her. That said, I hope it's *not* her time, and I will send good
healing thoughts your way --

Lotte

"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus, my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou

On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 04:33:52 GMT, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
wrote:

Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain, so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50. We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

....

One morning I found LuckyBoy unable to walk. It was the same thing, a
blood clot in the saddle. My vet said to get him to a hospital and
that the clot was the best possibility. Well, it is, but it is not
good. According to the specialist, there is almost never a blood clot
in that region without a very serious underlying heart condition. The
prognosis was that if he lived out the weekend then he could have
another year or two of pain free life, so I had them begin treatment.
I got a call later in the day that his heart was full of clots just
waiting to come out and block something else and they recommended
putting him to sleep, and I did.

This is very common as far as I can tell. I've read about it any
number of times and the vet knew immediately what was happening. I
hope for a better outcome for you and Sade. LuckyBoy was only eight or
nine.

On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 04:33:52 GMT, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
wrote:

Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain, so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50. We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

....

One morning I found LuckyBoy unable to walk. It was the same thing, a
blood clot in the saddle. My vet said to get him to a hospital and
that the clot was the best possibility. Well, it is, but it is not
good. According to the specialist, there is almost never a blood clot
in that region without a very serious underlying heart condition. The
prognosis was that if he lived out the weekend then he could have
another year or two of pain free life, so I had them begin treatment.
I got a call later in the day that his heart was full of clots just
waiting to come out and block something else and they recommended
putting him to sleep, and I did.

This is very common as far as I can tell. I've read about it any
number of times and the vet knew immediately what was happening. I
hope for a better outcome for you and Sade. LuckyBoy was only eight or
nine.

"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus, my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus, my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

"Phil P." wrote in message ...
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus, my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

You'll probably never hear another word from this person.

"Phil P." wrote in message ...
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about 50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus, my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

You'll probably never hear another word from this person.

"IBen Getiner" wrote in message
om...
"Phil P." wrote in message
...
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said
it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean
that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there
is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of
pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get
pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about
50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to
our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus,
my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's
very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my
good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when
we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear
what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in
cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American
Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with
hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So
as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other
benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has
also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

You'll probably never hear another word from this person.


I don't know why you would even say that. There is always an asshole in
every crowd.

The vet's office called. Sade' is now panting. I didn't get to speak
directly to my vet because Tuesday morning is surgery day. The tech said
that this means another clot has formed somewhere in her lungs. I am
waiting back to hear from the office.

She will be euthanized this afternoon. Now I know what they mean about
"dying of a broken heart"...

Laurie-Lou

"IBen Getiner" wrote in message
om...
"Phil P." wrote in message
...
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice) said
it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean
that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected, there
is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of
pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get
pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about
50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her to
our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade' wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus,
my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's
very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of my
good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when
we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to hear
what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s) are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in
cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American
Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with
hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM. So
as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other
benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has
also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

You'll probably never hear another word from this person.


I don't know why you would even say that. There is always an asshole in
every crowd.

The vet's office called. Sade' is now panting. I didn't get to speak
directly to my vet because Tuesday morning is surgery day. The tech said
that this means another clot has formed somewhere in her lungs. I am
waiting back to hear from the office.

She will be euthanized this afternoon. Now I know what they mean about
"dying of a broken heart"...

Laurie-Lou

I'm so sorry to hear this.
Gail
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
"IBen Getiner" wrote in message
om...
"Phil P." wrote in message
...
"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" wrote in message
...
Today, my 15 year old Ragdoll kitty suddenly started to drag her
right
back
leg. We rushed her to the emergency 24 hour animal hospital. We
were
told
that "the good news is" it is not a stroke. The vet (soooo nice)
said
it
looks like she has thrown a blood clot. The vet said that if the
clot
affected both legs, it would be very serious because it would mean
that
it's
probably not irreversible. But since only one leg is affected,
there
is a
possibility that the clot can be "broken down" with medication (she
mentioned a form of baby aspirin). Sade' seemed to be in a lot of
pain,
so
the vet recommended that she spend the night in the hospital to get
pain
meds and medication to work on the clot. The prognosis is about
50/50.
We
pick Sade' up tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. We're then rushing her
to
our
vet right down the street.

I am prepared for the very worse. I mean, she IS 15. You know
what's
weird? I said to my husband last night that I felt that Sade'
wasn't
going
to around for much longer. I said that I see it in her eyes. Plus,
my
little old lady is starting to look a little scruffy... and she's
very
bony
in here shoulders and on down her back. My husband reminded me of
my
good
friend, Simba. Her cat, Mimi, is a Ragdoll and she's 22 years old!!

Also, Sade' has started sleeping in my bathroom upstairs. Even when
we're
home, I find her asleep on the rug, alone and in the dark. I want
complete
honesty from anyone who replies. Does Sade' "know" that her time is
coming?
And who has had similar problems with blood clots in cats?? ANY
information
will be helpful. Even if it's not comforting... I just want to
hear
what
anyone in here might know.

Thank you so much,

Laurie-Lou


My first suggestion is consult a veterinary cardiologist as soon as
possible. An echocardiogram is the first order of business.

Blood clots (arterial thromboembolism) that affect the hind limb(s)
are
almost always a complication associated with myocardial diseases in
cats -
i.e., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in particular. HCM has been
identified in some bloodlines of Main Coons, Persians, American
Shorthairs,
and recently, Ragdolls. (see http://www.ragdoll-cats.com/Cardio.htm).


Arterial thromboembolism has also been reported in cats with
hyperthyroidism
but the incidence is very low (3%). Hyperthyroidism causes
myocardial
hypertrophy that is very similar to and might be confused with HCM.
So
as a
precaution, have your cat's thyroid function tested.

If the clot did develop secondary to HCM, speak to your vet about the
calcium channel blocker, diltiazem. In addition to several other
benefits,
diltiazem also has antiplatelet activity and may improve left atrial
hemodynamics - which reduces the risk of blood clots. Diltiazem has
also
reduced hypertrophy in many cats which also decreases the risk of clot
formation.

For more information, please visit my site:
http://maxshouse.com/arterial_thromboembolism.htm

Best of luck,

Phil

You'll probably never hear another word from this person.


I don't know why you would even say that. There is always an asshole in
every crowd.

The vet's office called. Sade' is now panting. I didn't get to speak
directly to my vet because Tuesday morning is surgery day. The tech said
that this means another clot has formed somewhere in her lungs. I am
waiting back to hear from the office.

She will be euthanized this afternoon. Now I know what they mean about
"dying of a broken heart"...

Laurie-Lou