HCM in Cats

[admin]

Thanks Per!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[Lori Greer]

Scans are valid results- if the breeder has them.

The DNA test isn't infallible either in the Bengal or MC breeds.

The way I read it was that they breeder had dna tests to prove their cats didn't carry the HCM gene. And as you mentioned the scans have to be done every year.

 

[Trish Allearz]

The way I read it was that they breeder had dna tests to prove their cats didn't carry the HCM gene. And as you mentioned the scans have to be done every year.

You are right, Lori- the OP said DNA tests and yep, there are none for our breed. Heck, there isn't a DNA test for the Sphynx and they are dying over HCM- literally and figuratively.

Now, a Maine Coon used in the parentage could have been DNA tested, but still- according to the MC breeders I've talked to in the show hall, they still need to scan as well.

 

[l.i.t]

Not to belabor the topic... But If a scan did detect HCM, what, if anything, can be done other than palliative measures?

Lotto has a .6mm ASD that causes a small murmur. Aside from the murmur, he is otherwise unaffected by it - and .6mm is quite small. Nobody (vet, cardiologist, Lotto) seems worried about the asd. But the cardiologist wants us to bring Lotto back every year to scan for HCM Even though his ultrasound was normal. The problem with this is, we have to travel with him 2.5hrs to and from Vegas (which he does NOT care for at all) for the ultrasound each year - plus, while he loves our local vet, he was somewhat traumatized by the cardiologist visit and it affected his social interaction with other humans. Basically, he used to be very social, and after the visit and ultrasound, he now growls at and runs to hide from new humans.

I'm just skeptical, I suppose... At $800 a pop every year, it seems like an easy way for the cardiologist to make some $$ - and at incredible stress for poor Lotto. That being said, if there was something we could do, it would be worth it.

We knew about his ASD when we got him - everything was above board, and we knew we wanted to love him and give him a family no matter what. And I couldn't have ever hoped for a more wonderful little boy. We just want to do what is right for Lotto -and clearly, I don't trust the cardiologist.

As far as I know, he has only serval and domestic on his mother's side. Not 100% sure about dad.

L

 

[Sunny]

For the uninitiated, what's ASD?

 

[Pam Flachs]

Atrial Septal Defect. It's when the septum (wall) that normally divides the right and left atria (chambers) of the heart is absent or defective. The blood from each atrium then can mix freely leading to low-oxygen blood in the arteries that supply the brain, organs and tissues.

 

[l.i.t]

Very nice description. We just picture it as a tiny hole in his heart that is smaller than a pencil lead. They happen in humans, too. If small, they usually do not need treatment and rarely affects their lifespan. We basically keep an eye on him - watch for decreased activity level, shortness of breath, panting, 'coughing', etc. Luckily, he is quite healthy and crazy active

Based on the last ultrasound, it hasn't gotten any larger, but may have shrunk some.

My greatest sympathies to those that have lost cats to HCM. My hopes and prayers that you will be able to find some peace - it just adds insult to injury that the breeders aren't being responsive and cooperative.

L

 

[The Kasbah]

Most breeders warranty against genetic defect through the first year of a kittens life. Please read your contract carefully, as it will likely provide you with the information necessary to proceed appropriately with your Breeder. I am not quite sure which of the illnesses you have described caused the death of your baby, but if the death was caused by genetic defect, typically the Breeder will require a vets statement and the medical records prior to discussing a resolution.

Hope all works out well for you. I am sorry for your loss.

All best,

 

[Patti]

Not to belabor the topic... But If a scan did detect HCM, what, if anything, can be done other than palliative measures?

Lotto has a .6mm ASD that causes a small murmur. Aside from the murmur, he is otherwise unaffected by it - and .6mm is quite small. Nobody (vet, cardiologist, Lotto) seems worried about the asd. But the cardiologist wants us to bring Lotto back every year to scan for HCM Even though his ultrasound was normal. The problem with this is, we have to travel with him 2.5hrs to and from Vegas (which he does NOT care for at all) for the ultrasound each year - plus, while he loves our local vet, he was somewhat traumatized by the cardiologist visit and it affected his social interaction with other humans. Basically, he used to be very social, and after the visit and ultrasound, he now growls at and runs to hide from new humans.

I'm just skeptical, I suppose... At $800 a pop every year, it seems like an easy way for the cardiologist to make some $$ - and at incredible stress for poor Lotto. That being said, if there was something we could do, it would be worth it.

We knew about his ASD when we got him - everything was above board, and we knew we wanted to love him and give him a family no matter what. And I couldn't have ever hoped for a more wonderful little boy. We just want to do what is right for Lotto -and clearly, I don't trust the cardiologist.

As far as I know, he has only serval and domestic on his mother's side. Not 100% sure about dad.

L

In my (human) experience an ASD does not develop into HCM so I'm not sure why the cardiologist would want yearly scans, unless there is something else in Lotto's history that would make him suspect HCM. I assume the ASD was discovered as a kitten? It is possible for it to get smaller as he grows but if Lotto is now an adult its size has probably stabilized and will not change. The vast majority of ASDs (again in humans) are completely asymptomatic and are only detected on a routine echo (heart ultrasound) that was ordered for another reason.

 

[Patti]

Atrial Septal Defect. It's when the septum (wall) that normally divides the right and left atria (chambers) of the heart is absent or defective. The blood from each atrium then can mix freely leading to low-oxygen blood in the arteries that supply the brain, organs and tissues.

Actually, it's a hole in the septum, not an absence of the wall itself. Below is a nice illustration with the ASD labeled on the left side of the pic.